The first of a two-test series got off to a slow start in Christchurch, with the first day between New Zealand and Pakistan washed out thanks to rain.Join The Roar for live scores of Day 2 in Christchurch from 8am (AEDT).
There were fears this match in Christchurch would be called off after the massive earthquakes that shook New Zealand during the week, however it has been confirmed by the New Zealand cricket board that it will go ahead.
The Kiwis enter their home summer, where they are playing both Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia and South Africa coming off a terrible tour of India, losing all three tests and not fairing much better in the ODI series.
While India are a juggernaut at home, and New Zealand were never really going to win the series, they would have expected to be a little more competitive than they were, and it begs plenty of questions about what they are going to be able to serve up back at home against an unpredictable Pakistan lineup.
Kane Williamson was the only batsmen who did anything of substance on that tour, and the Blackcaps collapsed far too often – their bowlers did an ok job, but again nothing compared to India.
Their struggles playing spin could be amplified during this home series, with Yasir Shah leading a Pakistan attack that will be full of confidence.
Of course, the whole Pakistan team will be confident given their last few series where they toured England, getting a 2-2 draw out of it in a four-match series, and then smashed the West Indies at their home away from home in the United Arab Emirates.
While the tourists will certainly have one eye on regaining the No.1 test spot, which they briefly had before losing out to India, their other eye will be firmly on the upcoming tour of Australia, which includes the Boxing Day and New Year’s Test.
Their middle order will be the key once again be the key for the tourists, with Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and young wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed forming a brilliant combination.
Prediction
New Zealand are a hard team to beat at home, but it’s difficult to say exactly what their tour of India has done to their confidence.
It also depends on which Pakistan show up – they have been notorious for their inconsistency, especially away from home but with a more experienced squad one would think they should be better on this tour.
This could definitely go either way. New Zealand don’t lose a lot at home, but Pakistan have been in some great form. The hosts should get the job done, but an exciting series awaits.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of the second day’s play at Christchurch from 8am (AEDT) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
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