'One of our best wins' – Kane Williamson

At 147/4, it seemed that New Zealand’s hopes of a win were to be dashed, but a stunning performance from left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel on debut took his side to a staggering four-run win, as Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 24 runs.

The 30-year-old took 5/59 to go alongside his 2/64 in Pakistan's first innings, and was well supported by Ish Sodhi and Neil Wagner, who both contributed a pair of wickets in bowling out Pakistan for 171.

Williamson was full of praise for his side after they fought back from a first-innings deficit to secure a win against a Pakistan side who have been famously difficult to beat in the UAE.

"I think the fighting attributes of this team really shone through," Williamson said. "And certainly today, it's important to build on a number of parts to go in to the next game, for sure.

“In these conditions Pakistan are a very strong side. To get through them in four days and stay in the match and come out with this result must obviously rank as one of our best wins.”

The New Zealand captain - who played a significant part in the victory himself with 100 runs in the match - acknowledged that the drama of the fourth day was brilliant for promoting the longest format of the game.

"Throughout the four days both teams were put under pressure. I think at the end of the day it was a great advertisement for Test cricket."

Pakistan will look to bounce back from the narrowest defeat in their history when the second Test begins in Dubai on Saturday.