Saqlain was destroyed by Craig McMillan in his final over, which cost 24 runs in Christchurch. McMillan pulled him square for three sixes in the over to reach his century and win the match.
What really upset the Pakistan management was the way he switched to around the wicket for his final ball, which he tossed up as he overstretched for a no-ball. McMillan hit it for six and that extra delivery enabled him to hit his third six to reach 104 not out.
Skipper Moin Khan said: "He has been struggling. He's lost his form and didn't bowl well, but he should be all right for the Test."
That First Test starts at Auckland's Eden Park tomorrow. Left out for the final oneday international at Dunedin, Saqlain was the subject of spin doctoring back home in Pakistan.
The story went that he was going to be sent home. Arshad Khan, a 30-year-old off-spinner, had already been brought to New Zealand to strengthen the squad.
Coach Javed Miandad denied Saqlain was on his way back to follow Shoaib Akhtar.
However, so many Pakistan stars are heading home injured, including Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar, that Saqlain would have to stay.
He now faces a challenge to show that he is up there alongside Muralitharan.
Saqlain is also certain to be selected for the summer tour of England.
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