CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, March 15 (AFP) - A century by Mathew Sinclair helped put New Zealand in a strong position at stumps on the first day of the second cricket Test against Pakistan here Thursday.

Sinclair was unbeaten on 100 at the close with Craig McMillan on one as New Zealand reached 284 for five.

Sinclair's milestone took 226 minutes. He faced 148 balls and brought up three figures with his 15th four three overs before stumps.

New Zealand had their worst session of the day after tea when they resumed on 157 for one.

Opener Matthew Bell was dismissed for 75 -- eight short of his highest Test score -- then captain Stephen Fleming was run out for 32 and Nathan Astle and Grant Bradburn departed cheaply to edges behind.

Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq was the most successful bowler, taking two for 64 off 28 overs, while Waqar Younis and Fazle Akbar snared one wicket each.