Despite being shaken up by a devastating earthquake, Pakistan are all set to take on New Zealand in its first Test match of the two-game series in Christchurch from Thursday.
Pakistan are enjoying a golden run in Test cricket and have remained unbeaten in their last seven series, winning five of them.
For the first time in their history, Pakistan also became the top-ranked side along the way, however, for a brief period and at the moment are comfortably sitting at second place. New Zealand on the other hand is going through a rough patch, particularly after the retirement of Brendon McCullum.
The Black Caps took a drubbing at the hands of India in their last series and have lost three of their last four series with the only win coming against Zimbabwe.
Pakistan on the other hand, in the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq are eyeing to stamp their legacy as the dominant Test force, they were particularly good against England in England this summer, and they would be eager to dominate the vulnerable Kiwis and then the Kangaroos in the later part of their tour Down Under.
Stats heavily favour Pakistan, as it has been nearly 32 years since New Zealand last beat Pakistan in a Test series, reported PTV Sports. New Zealand last won a test series against Pakistan in their own backyard back in 1985 tour, which was coincidentally Wasim Akram’s debut series.
Since 1985, Pakistan and New Zealand have collided in 12 test series. Pakistan has lost none, winning seven and has drawn five test series.
However, Pakistan, without the home advantage, will have to rely on its adaptability. Pakistan pace attack would be the key on the pace and bounce friendly track in Christchurch. Whereas, batsman would have to be prepared to tackle the swing and pace.
Squads:
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Rahat Ali, Sami Aslam, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicket keeper), Sharjeel Khan, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah and Younis Khan
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Matt Henry, James Neesham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, B.J. Watling (wicket keeper), Todd Astle, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner
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