McIntosh reaped the benefits of the umpire decision review system late yesterday when replays ruled that Mohammad Asif's delivery was actually clearing the stumps.
The time McIntosh took before seeking salvation through technology and third umpire Simon Taufel irked the Pakistanis, who believed he was too slow in making the request.
And yesterday, in keeping with his carefully considered approach, he laboured more than 4-1/2 hours for 74, his second test half-century which followed poor returns in the opening two tests against the tourists.
Having scored just 37 runs at an average of 9.25 in those matches, the 30-year-old left-hander today justified the selectors faith with a typical no-frills 187-ball knock.
His platform helped New Zealand to 346 for six at the close, a lead of 123 runs.
As well, his 60-run opening stand with debutant BJ Watling was the first time a New Zealand opening pair have passed 50 in 13 tests.
McIntosh acknowledged his relief after finally posting a decent contribution.
"I think there's a few extra nerves when you are battling for your place a little bit," he said.
"I probably had a few of those feelings so it's particularly pleasing to get underway."
It almost never happened of course, when Billy Doctrove raised the finger yesterday and McIntosh looked to be trudging off before having second thoughts.
"I'm very pleased I got in in time. At one point there, I thought I might have been a bit too late to make it (the review request).
"I tried to ask BJ to see what he thought and he didn't really give me much of an indication.
"Then I thought back and thought it's hit the top of my front pad and that gave me a pretty good idea I should use it."
McIntosh was disappointed not to turn his reprieve into a century, feeling the milestone was within reach.
"I'm disappointed not to have got three figures because I felt really comfortable. I envisaged myself still being out there at the end of the day so it's disappointing not to have got in that position."
Daniel Vettori ultimately recorded New Zealand's first century of the series and resumes tomorrow on 100 after playing the sort of captain's knock McIntosh has become accustomed to.
"He's just been emphatic with the bat in the last couple of years.
"The guys have a lot of confidence he can do a good job, he's certainly inspirational."
Vettori's hundred took some gloss off Danish Kaneria's toil. He would have ended the day with a five-wicket haul had he held a return catch from Vettori when the New Zealander was on 97.
"I was happy to take some wickets but unluckily I drop the one catch off Vettori," the legspinner said after taking four for 119 from 37 overs.
Although New Zealand had a handy lead, Kaneria said his team remained upbeat.
"There's still three days to go, the wicket is playing very good and if we get them out as soon as possible in the morning we have a chance; the game is balanced."
