imageSHARJAH: Pakistan were 281-3 at close on the opening day of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Sharjah on Wednesday.

Opener Mohammad Hafeez struck an unbeaten 178 for his seventh Test century while skipper Misbah-ul Haq was 38 not out after Pakistan won the toss and batted.

Off-spinner Mark Craig had figures of 2-67.

Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Abu Dhabi and drawing the second in Dubai.

Hafeez, who missed the second Test due to a hamstring problem, was included in the side along with paceman Mohammad Talha. They replaced injured Ehsan Adil and Taufeeq Umar.

New Zealand veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori staged a comeback to Test cricket after a 28-month gap, replacing Jimmy Neesham.

Vettori became the highest capped Test player for New Zealand with his 112th match (113 overall with one for ICC World XI in 2005), beating Stephen Fleming who played 111.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2014

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