Otago opener Aaron Redmond used Ferguson's raw pace against him and steered the ball down to third man for a series of boundaries.
The score mounted rapidly and when Ferguson eventually removed Redmond for 72, Nick Beard came in as a nightwatchman and played a remarkable innings, scoring 188.
It was not a particularly successful outing for Ferguson but he was able to impress observers with his pace.
"I was trying to brush past that,'' Ferguson said.
"I was fresh off the club cricket scene ... and Aaron Redmond smacked me around that game. I think I got one for about 100 so it was not my best memory.
"It was just part of making the step up and it was a big learning curve.''
Actually, Ferguson, who was 21 at the time, did a little bit better. He finished the match with two for 147. And his overall first-class record at the venue is excellent.
He has taken 18 wickets at an average on 19.44, including two five-wicket bags.
He will be hoping for another strong return tomorrow in game three of the five-match ODI series against Pakistan.
New Zealand leads 2-0 and can clinch the series win with another victory. And the Black Caps are in hot form at the moment, having strung together nine consecutive wins across three formats.
"It is pleasing to get a few results but the most important thing for me is trying to fit in and be a part of the bowling group.
"Obviously Tim [Southee] and Trent [Boult] are class bowlers and they are doing such a good job at that top. That allows me to come on and be an aggressive bowler through the middle.''
Ferguson took three for 39 in Nelson on Tuesday after Southee and Boult had combined to reduce Pakistan to 14 for two. The extra pace he can generate means the Black Caps do not have to go into a holding pattern and can keep attacking.
"My pace is something I work really hard at. But probably since [my first-class debut] I think more about accuracy and putting the ball in the right position for as long as possible.
"But I still have to do it with pace because that gives me the best opportunity to take wickets.''
Test cricket remains a firm goal for Ferguson. It is still the pinnacle format in his eyes. But for now he is focused on getting the best out of the white ball and developing his game.
"I've played some good first-class games but the test squad is very hard to get into. They've been playing very well and once again they've got a serious bowling unit.
"I'll kept trying to put my hand up but the white ball is the focus and that is what I'm working towards.''
The University Oval has been a successful ground for the national side. The team is undefeated in five ODIs but has not played one in the city since the World Cup.
The game is sold out and the forecast is looking promising.
