Black Caps looking to rebound quickly

Live Scorecard: Pakistan v New Zealand

New Zealand are drawing inspiration from their exploits in the Caribbean in June as they try to bounce back in their three-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

New Zealand head into the second Test beginning in Dubai tonight seeking to level the series after a 248-run defeat in Abu Dhabi.

Five months ago, skipper Brendon McCullum and his side turned around a 10-wicket loss to the West Indies to take out that series 2-1.

"We lost heavily in the second Test in Trinidad and we were able to respond with a really good performance in the third Test," he said.

"So you start talking about those things among the group – that we've been here before, we've done it before and we know how to make those subtle changes."

McCullum is hoping he can call correctly and give his batsmen first go on a pitch that is expected to offer the spinners help later on.

As in their 2-0 series defeat of Australia, Pakistan won the toss in game one against New Zealand and then posted a big score.

"The toss is crucial in allowing us the best chance to win the game," McCullum said.

"It doesn't mean it's win or lose if the toss doesn't fall the way we want it to, but it certainly helps if we win the toss, there's no doubting that."

McCullum confirmed he would continue to open the batting for the remainder of the series.

"It allows us to balance our team better and it's a horses-for-courses type of approach," he said.

In a move that gave the Black Caps six bowling options, McCullum shifted up from the middle order in the first Test, scoring 18 and 39.

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq said he was taking it match by match rather than thinking about completing a whitewash to follow his team's achievement against Australia.

"It's really important to just focus and do things right and, if there are weak areas, do that right," Misbah said.

The win in Abu Dhabi was Misbah's 15th as Test captain, a Pakistan record.