PAK vs NZ, 1st Test Preview

Pakistan were thrashed by England in the recent home series, PAK vs NZ. Pakistan lost the three-match series 3-0 and they need to find some serious answers to their woes. They looked clueless throughout the series against the Three Lions and it will be interesting to see how they make a comeback. On the other hand, NewZealand would be playing a test match after a span of few months. They last played a series against England in June which they lost 3-0. The first test will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi. New Zealand are set to play a Test match in Pakistan for the first time since May 2002.

PAK vs NZ, 1st Test Details

Pakistan vs New Zealand – 1st Test

Venue: National Stadium – Karachi

Date & Time: 26th December at 10:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network

PAK vs NZ, 1st Test Pitch Report

The wicket at the National Stadium Karachi has been generally good for batting. However, the new ball bowlers might be able to extract something from the deck. The skipper winning the toss might want to have a bat first.

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update

Also Read: Ban vs Ind, Day 3: India 45-4 at stumps, need 100 to win 2nd Test

PAK vs NZ, 1st Test Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed

Topmost Picks for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction, 1st Test:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tom Latham– Has played a lot of crucial innings for his side in some tough conditions across his Test career so far. The left-handed Kiwi batter has scored more than 4600 run from a total of 68 Test matches at an average of over 40. 

• Daryl Mitchell– The right-hander was the leading run-getter during the three-match Test series as he composed a sensational total of nearly 550 runs at a phenomenal average of more than 107 that included as many as 3 centuries.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Abrar Ahmed– He was a gold find in the series against England, who has already picked up 17 wickets in 2 matches with a 5-wicket haul, in his debut.

• Babar Azam– He has been the top batter for his team, scoring over 1000 runs in Tests this year at an average of 67. Has scored 3 centuries and 7 half-centuries for Pakistan this year.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Tom Latham(C), Imam-ul-Haq(VC), Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Saud Shakeel, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Hasan Ali

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Tom Latham, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(C), Kane Williamson(VC), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Abrar Ahmed, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Naseem Shah

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Tom Latham, Babar Azam

Vice-captain – Imam-ul-Haq, Kane Williamson

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

PAK vs NZ 1st Test Probable winners:

While Pakistan will have the home advantage, the World Test Champions New Zealand are also expected to give a tough as the first Test is expected to go down the wire as a close contest. Pakistan is going through a lot of turmoil. Its entire board and selection committee has been swapped out. Despite this, looking at their phenomenal record in Karachi and the fact that two of their leading fast bowlers have made a return to the squad. New Zealand is going to struggle massively against Abrar Ahmed and that could be the difference between the two sides. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.