The rain had the final say on the opening day

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Persistent rain wiped out a little over two sessions on the first day of the second Test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Hamilton.

Despite a constant drizzle delaying the start of the match, the toss finally took place and Pakistan opted to bowl first after winning it.

Their decision to do so paid dividends on the sixth ball of the match as Mohammad Amir dismissed New Zealand opener Tom Latham for a golden duck.

Shortly after, the Black Caps were dealt a huge blow when captain Kane Williamson was trudging back to the pavilion after being caught behind off the bowling of Sohail Khan for 13.

Even though New Zealand got off to a rocky start, opener Jeet Raval and veteran batsman Ross Taylor, who will undergo eye surgery after the match, stabilised the innings with an unbeaten 38-run partnership before the heavens parted and forced an early lunch.

While the rain did ease off at times, it refused to relent long enough for the action to resume, and as a result, the umpires ultimately had no choice but to bring play to an end for the day just after 4pm.

Raval finished on 35 off 63 balls, which included five boundaries, while Taylor was in an aggressive mood as he remained undefeated on 29 off 20 deliveries, which included six boundaries.

Amir and Sohail picked up one wicket apiece.

New Zealand ended day one on 77/2 and will continue batting 30 minutes earlier on Saturday at 10:30 local time or 21:30 GMT (the previous day).