Pakistan vs New Zealand, PAK vs NZ, Today Match Prediction 02 January 2023

pak vs nz Match Prediction & Analysis

Pakistan will look for an upbeat show from its players as they take on New Zealand in the 2nd Test Match at Karachi. The hosts are struggling to crack the code at home. After suffering a humiliating whitewash against England, they escaped with a draw against the Kiwis in the first Test Match. New Zealand dominated the game and could have won it had bad light not stopped play.  

Pakistani bowlers have struggled in the last few games they have played at home. In the last four games at home, their bowlers have conceded more than 400 runs on three occasions. Their top order hasn't delivered the goods either. It remains to be seen if the side can start the new year on a high, as New Zealand will come hard at them, having sniffed blood in the last game. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Pakistan Preview

Babar Azam has been leading from the front, but that hasn't been enough. They managed to draw the last game, and we saw a bold declaration from the Pakistani skipper, but New Zealand was in the driver's seat. The Pakistani skipper would like to see more consistency from his batsmen. The side needs better bowling efforts than we have seen in the last four weeks.  

Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq need to see off the new ball, as the Kiwi bowling attack can be nippy with the new ball. Azam is enjoying the form of his life, and he will look to add runs in the middle with Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel. Sarfaraz Ahmed showed his class in the last game and adds to the side's batting strength down the order. He will like to add runs with Agha Salman and Nauman Ali.  

The Kiwis blunted their bowling attack in the last game. It will be a big test for the bowlers to do well on a dead track. They will need Mir Hamza and Mohammad Wasim Jr to strike early. Pakistanis have failed to break partnerships in the last few games and need a good show from Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali in this game. 

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Agha Salman, Nauman Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza

New Zealand Preview

Tim Southee will be upset with the result of the last game. They had the Pakistanis struggling in the second innings but failed to dismiss the tail-enders quickly. The skipper would be proud of his side's batting efforts in the last game. His opponents are under pressure owing to a string of failures, and Southee shall look to go for the kill and win the series.  

Tom Latham and Devon Conway batted brilliantly in the last game, and the side would like to see a similar start. Williamson is in form after his double hundred in the last game, and he will like to add runs in the middle order with Henry Nicholls and Darryl Mitchell. Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, and Ish Sodhi are good batters down the order and make it a formidable batting line-up.  

Their bowlers did well on a dead wicket but failed to deliver a killer blow in the second innings. Southee will try to get early wickets by sharing the new ball with Neil Wagner. Aza Patel and Ish Sodhi have important roles and need to use these conditions. Mitchell and Bracewell have to do their jobs well in the supporting role.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

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

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

We will have clear skies over Karachi during the game. The pitch is expected to be a typical Karachi track where batting would be good on the first two days, and the spinners will dominate from Day 3 onward. Fast bowlers don't have much on this track, and the side batting first will look to put in more than 400 runs.

Venue Details

National Stadium, Karachi, has always been a good batting surface where the ball comes onto the bat nicely. The flat track makes it easy for the batsmen. Spinners also get turn and bounce on this surface as the pitch starts wearing down. This venue has witnessed several high-scoring Test Matches in the past.

Toss: To Bat

The wicket will be the same as we had seen in the last game, where there will be little for the bowlers. Spinners will get assistance from the surface from Day 3 onward. Batting here in the 4th innings isn't easy, and hence we expect the side winning the toss to bat first on this wicket.