Pakistan began the first Test against New Zealand in the best possible way with Mohammad Aamer dismissing Tim McIntosh with the first ball of the match.

Five overs later, Mohammad Asif also provided a breakthrough, getting rid of Daniel Flynn and leaving New Zealand in a spot of bother at 27 for 2.

At the time of going to press, New Zealand were 36 for 2 after 12 overs with Ross Taylor (2) and Martin Guptill (25) at the crease.

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Yousuf won the toss and elected to bowl on the University Oval wicket, which has a reputation for favouring the quick bowlers "Obviously, the first two hours here are very difficult and that's why we will bowl first," he said.

But it was a decision that did not bother New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, who did not believe the green-tinged wicket would pose serious problems.

"I think we wanted to bat on it. All the talk is it won't do as much as it's expected to and when the conditions above are good it normally plays pretty well."

Although officially a Pakistan home series, the three Tests were relocated after New Zealand refused to go to Pakistan over security fears.

It is the first time New Zealand have hosted a Test in November and rain is forecast for later in the week.
New Zealand have only won one series against Pakistan at home, back in 1985.