Abu Dhabi win ranks as 'one of our best' - Williamson

New Zealand players celebrate after they beat Pakistan in their Test match in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.

New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult claimed four wickets to spark a recovery as they restricted Pakistan to a first innings lead of 74 on day two of the first test in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The fact they were playing Bhangra music in the Black Caps' changing shed highlights the cosmopolitan nature of this New Zealand team.

Williamson admitted the win was dramatic, with fortunes fluctuating throughout the day on which Pakistan needed a further 139 with all ten wickets intact.

Azhar Ali was the last wicket to fall, out for 65, to hand New Zealand a narrow four-run win in Abu Dhabi.

Asad Shafiq (45) and Azhar Ali (40) settled the innings for Pakistan with a partnership of 82-runs, before Shafiq was dismissed by Neil Wagner just before lunch.

Yesterday, Leg spinner Yasir Shah and medium pacer Hasan Ali took 5 wickets each to put Pakistan on the victory. A collective bowling performance meant New Zealand couldn't even a get a proper start to the Test series which was expected to pose lots of questions on their composure.

Resuming at 37-0 overnight, Pakistan lost three quick wickets in the space of just eight balls, with Imam-ul-Haq (27) the first to depart, trapped leg before by Patel.

"The wicket was challenging and both teams had to fight hard, and certainly Pakistan had the upper-hand, but some of the characteristics we held very dear is the attitude to fight on".

Pakistan, set 176 to win the match, were 130-4 at lunch on the fourth day. If they had played either Pakistan or Ireland in their first two matches and won that by a comprehensive margin, they would have had momentum on their side but big losses to both India and Australia really dented their confidence.

"We kind of wanted to play that long game and stay in the game as long as possible and that only happens from one ball at a time".