Another flat track saw a lot of runs. New Zealand though are likely to be the happier side. Their former captain Kane Williamson was among the runs while Ish Sodhi bowled well to ensure New Zealand were in the ascendency. A chance of a win too was possible had bad light not cut play short. There are some encouraging signs though and New Zealand will walk into the next game with a lot more confidence.

PAK vs NZ Match Details

Date: January 2nd, 2023

Time:  10:30 AM IST

Venue: Karachi

PAK vs NZ Weather Report

The weather at Karachi looks alright with bad light being the only threat as play could end early on most days.

PAK vs NZ Pitch Report

The Karachi track is likely to favor spin and will be better for the side batting first.

PAK vs NZ Head-to-Head

Played- 61 | Pakistan -25 | New Zealand – 15 | Draw- 3` | Tie- 0

PAK vs ENG Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand Playing XI

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

Pakistan Playing XI

Abdullah Shahfique, Imam Ul Haq, Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali

PAK vs NZ Key Players

Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed made a well deserved comeback and looked very good in the previous Test. He countered the bowling and showed more intent the rest of the team did throughout the year. His return makes it tough for the selectors but the performances he is providing will definitely give them some encouragement to make bold calls going forward.

Ish Sodhi

While Kane Williamson was the star in the first Test Ish Sodhi attracted a fair bit of attention. He came back to Tests after a fair gap and fit into the side perfectly. With aggressive bowling, Sodhi was quickly among the wickets and weaved his magic instantly.

See Also: Virat Kohli Re-Announces Himself as the Chase Master – Cricket Winner

PAK vs NZ Match Tips

Home Tests usually give the home side an advantage. Given how Pakistan has gone at home though, New Zealand will be a lot more confident with their chances of winning the upcoming game.

Match Prediction: New Zealand Will Win the Match