The Black Sticks have drawn 2-2 with Pakistan in Wellington in the second match of a five Test series.
A Sam Lane goal gave New Zealand a 1-0 half-time lead before debutant Mac Wilcox scored the Black Stick's second.
But after losing yesterday's first test 3-2, Pakistan fought back to level the scores.
Head coach Darren Smith said his side showed definite improvements leading on from Friday night's performance.
"I thought there were some significant improvements from us tonight, especially our ability to command and move the ball from the back and through the midfield which opened up some good opportunities," he said.
"The overall feeling is we made a progression even though it didn't come with a win. We will be looking to do even better on Monday with a more complete performance."
Game three is also played at the National Hockey Stadium before games four and five take place in Clareville in the Wairarapa on Wednesday and Thursday.