New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2022/23 – 1st Test, match preview, predicted lineups
Pakistan take on New Zealand in the 1st Test starting tomorrow as New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2022/23 commences. Both teams will be looking for a win here.
Date and Time : 26-30 December 2022, 10:00 AM (Local)
Venue : National Stadium Karachi, Karachi
Pakistan were thrashed in the recently concluded 3-Test series at home versus England as they aim to again make fans happy. They have a 2-Test series against New Zealand now.
The Green Shirts will need to bat at their best to challenge the Kiwis. While bowling is their strength and they need to rely on that.
Coach Saqlain Mushtaq will have to strategise according to the opponent.
On the other hand, New Zealand last played a Test series about six months ago in England where they were also swept by England 0-3. They will look to gain points on the WTC points table.
The Black Caps batsman will have to survive the Asian conditions. While bowling wise they have the armoury.
Head coach Gary Stead will ask his men to stand up and take the challenge.
For the wicket, it will be good one for batsman as bowlers can have something as well.
Team news and possible lineups
There are no fresh injury concerns for both sides at the moment.
Pakistan XI : A. Shafique, I-ul-Haq, B. Azam (C), Rizwan (WK), A. Salman, S. Shakeel, Nawaz, N. Shah, H. Ali, N. Ali, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand XI : Latham, Conway, K. Williamson, W. Young, Nicholls, D. Mitchell, Blundell (WK), M. Bracewell, Southee (C), A. Patel, Wagner.
Prediction
Pakistan should start as favourites in home conditions but complacency can bite them if they fall so and must respect New Zealand’s ability in Asian conditions and give their all. Pakistan to win at the moment.
