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New Zealand tour of Pakistan, 1st Test, PAK vs NZ Preview and Fantasy Prediction

By Real11 - Dec 24 2022 519 Views
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New Zealand tour of Pakistan

PAK vs NZ, 1st Test

 

Preview

New Zealand are set to play a Test against Pakistan for the first time since May 2002. The last time, the Black Caps played against the Asian Giants, they were comprehensively beaten by the hosts. Nevertheless, the visitors have won 7 out of the last 8 games against Pakistan. 

On the other side, Pakistan are coming fresh from a humiliating 3-0 clean sweep at their home ground against England and would look forward to bouncing back with their new management in power. 

Babar Azam, to who’s captaincy there are many questions arising is the top batsman from the side. He has over 1000 runs in Tests this year at an impressive average of 67. The Pakistan skipper has 3 centuries and 7 half-centuries to his name, this year. Abdullah Shafique has also been in great touch as he registered 799 runs with 3 tons and 2 fifties. 

Young pace sensation Naseem Shah has been the highest wicket-taker from his side in 2022. He has picked 18 wickets in just 5 matches played so far. Another bowler Abra Ahmed was a new talent unleashed in the series against England, he impressed with his wicket-taking skills as he went on to pick 17 wickets in only 2 matches with a fifer. Nauman Ali has also brought 15 breakthroughs in the 2022 calendar year. 

When it comes to New Zealand, it will be a tough time for them, as the star middle-order batter and World Test Champion Kane Williamson stepped down from Test captaincy. Now, he will continue playing as a regular batter for the Kiwis. Daryl Mitchell has been the best with the bat this year. He drafted a total of 641 runs in 6 matches with 3 centuries and 3 half-centuries. Also, Devon Conway has scored 539 runs in 7 matches (2 x 100s; 2 x 50s) to power his team, this year. 

The bowling attack will be led by Tim Southee in the Test arena. He has taken 25 scalps in 7 games in the present year. He will be assisted by Trent Boult who again picked 25 wickets this year. But the matter of concern is, he is out of contract and hasn’t been part of the Black Caps squad as he has been released from his national contract. Young Pacer Kyle Jamieson is also missing out and probably the bowling attack will comprise Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Matt Henry, and Neil Wagner.

 

Match Details

Match: PAK vs NZ, 1st Test, New Zealand tour of Pakistan, 2022

Date: Monday, December 26, 2022 - Friday, December 30, 2022

Time: 10:30 AM (Dec 26)

Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

 

Pitch Report

As seen in the past, the pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi has assisted perfectly in competitive situations both for the batters and bowlers throughout the five days of the Test match and something similar will be anticipated to happen during the PAK vs NZ 1st Test starting from Monday. The spinners will play a significant role in this Test match. Regardless, the conditions of the surface are good for batting on the first three days of the Test match and the batters must make their innings worth it as soon as they are set on the pitch. The skipper winning the toss shall choose to bat in the first innings depending on the track.

The weather conditions in Karachi always remain sunny with the standard temperatures of 27-13 degrees celsius. The chance of rain is quite low during the winter season with the sun setting early. The dew plays a crucial role in night games. 

 

Squads

PAK: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, and Zahid Mehmood.

NZ: Tim Southee (captain), Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

 

Probable Playing XI

PAK: Shan Masood, Imam-Ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah

NZ: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Ajaz Patel, Neil Wagner

 

Match Prediction

Pakistan will have the home advantage which can bring the result in their favour. Regardless the World Test Champions New Zealand are the dark horses in the Test category and always come up with surprising results. This will be a tough contest but we expect the visitors to win the 1st Test series. 

 

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket

 

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