Pakistan vs New Zealand, PAK vs ENG, Today Match Prediction 26 December 2022

pak vs nz Match Prediction & Analysis

Pakistan and New Zealand will face off in the first Test of the two-match series at National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday.

The Green Shirts will be keen to turn their fortunes around, considering their recent results where they’ve not won a single fixture in their last six outings in red-ball cricket.

The team management will be hoping that the players can learn from their mistakes made in England series and put on a better show against New Zealand.

On the other hand, the visitors will be starting the series as strong favorites as they have plenty of experience in their ranks in this format.

Both teams have competed in 60 matches in the history of Test cricket where Pakistan have a clear edge with 25 wins compared to New Zealand’s 14 victories.

While playing in home condition, the Green Shirts have been even stronger as they’ve won 13 times and lost just two in 21 outings.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Pakistan Preview

Mohammad Ali and Faheem Ashraf have been dropped from the Test squad. Kamran Ghulam, who has accumulated a lot of runs in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, has been named in the setup. Naseem Shah, who missed the last two Tests against England, has fully recovered from injury and will be available for the two-match series against New Zealand.

In the batting department, the hosts will be relying on the likes of captain Babar Azam, star wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, openers Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel to score the bulk of the runs.

On the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Naeem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, along with spin duo of Nauman Ali and Abrar Ahmed to produce timely breakthroughs.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Babar Azam (captain), Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah.

Pakistan Actual Playing XI:

Mir Hamza, Agha Salman, Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafiq, Shan Masood, Nauman Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Imam-ul-Haq

New Zealand Preview

Team New Zealand will be keen to adjust to the conditions after landing in the county after two decades. Kane Williamson will be looking to find form with the bat after relinquishing the Test captaincy.

New-captain Tim Southee will be hoping that the side can start the series on a positive note.

In the batting department, the visitors will be relying on the likes of Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Wil Young, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, wicket-keeper Tom Blundell and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell to score the bulk of the runs.

On the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Neil Wagner, im Southee along with the spin duo of Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell to produce timely breakthroughs.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell (wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry/ Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell.

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

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

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The wicket prepared at National Cricket Stadium will something for the bowlers. The batsmen will have to work hard for their runs on this surface.The weather forecast is expected to be sunny with cool breeze for all five-days of the Test match.

Venue Details

National Cricket Stadium in Karachi is going to host the 1st Test between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Pakistan lost their previous Test match played at this venue.

Toss: To Bat

Both the sides will be keen to win the toss, bat first and post a competitive score on the board. The previous Test match was won by side batting second.