PAK vs NZ Match Preview

Karachi's surface should provide more help to the spinners this time around bringing Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali into the game. Abrar has more than 20 wickets in his first three Test matches and is off to an astonishing start to his Test career. We think he is going to be a big threat to New Zealand's batters in this match as well. 

The fast bowling department has been hit by injuries and seems to be a bit underpowered right now. Only one wicket was taken by the Pakistani fast bowlers in the previous match. We may see a change in the fast-bowling lineup once more. 

Among the batters, Babar Azam is a name that you cannot look past. 2022 was the best season for him in Test cricket and he could easily get another big score. Imam ul Haq and Saud Shakeel have also impressed with their consistency while Agha Aslam seems to be a handy lower-order player as well. 

New Zealand would be pleased with the previous match. They adapted very well to the conditions and looked completely at ease against the Pakistani spinners. Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Tom Blundell were terrific with the bat in the first Test. 

Latham and Conway could face a lot more spin in this next Test, though, and that will be a stiff challenge. We think New Zealand's batting is quite good and has a fair amount of depth also. It may not be able to hold its own if the surface starts to turn from the start. 

Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Michael Bracewell are the leading spinners for the New Zealanders. This 'should' not be a problem for Pakistan but as we have seen this season, Pakistan's batters have been troubled by some pretty mediocre spinners. 

Weather Report

There is no rain forecast for Karachi. Thera er no interruptions likely and if anything, we could have some issues with bad light at the end fo the day.

Pitch Report

The pitch was disappointing for the first Test. It was too flat and allowed the batters to score runs without much of a challenge. There was spin on offer but it was far too slow which meant that the batters could adjust. We expect a drier surface for this Test which could start taking turn a lot sooner and with more venom. 

Notable stats

Abrar Ahmed's Astonishing Start

Abrar Ahmed has 23 wickets in 6 innings which is nearly four wickets per inning! He can bowl with the new ball, is very difficult to pick for the tail-enders, and gets any help that the pitch offers.

Team News

There may be a change in the fast bowling lineup for Pakistan but apart fro that, we don't think there is going to any change in the two lineups. 

PAK vs NZ Probable 11

PAK Playing 11

  • Abdullah Shafique
  • Imam Ul Haq
  • Shan Masood
  • Babar Azam (C)
  • Saud Shakeel
  • Sarfaraz Ahmed (Wk)
  • Agha Salman
  • Nauman Ali
  • Mohammad Wasim
  • Mir Hamza
  • Abrar Ahmed

NZ Playing 11

  • Tom Latham
  • Devon Conway
  • Kane Williamson
  • Henry Nichols
  • Daryl Mitchell
  • Tom Blundell (Wk)
  • Michael Bracewell
  • Ish Sodhi
  • Tim Southee (C)
  • Neil Wagner
  • Ajaz Patel
This is not the official playing 11 for the match. This is a prediction of the expected playing 11 for each team based on the writers analysis.

Dream11 Prediction

We think Pakistan will put back the disappointment of 2022 and start 2023 with a win under its belt. There is no doubt in our mind that Pakistan has the best spinner who is capable of running through the New Zealand side and that their batting lineup is very well-suited to dominate in home conditions. If the pitch has a bit more help in it, Pakistan will end up winning quite convincingly.

Top Picks

Abrar Ahmed - Only a few Test matches old, Abrar is already the leader of the Pakistani attack. He is going to be our Dream11 captain for this match because we think he could end up getting a lot of help from the surface. 

Babar Azam - Babar Azam is in brilliant batting form and we think he could very well get another big score to start the New Year in style. 

Michael Bracewell - We did not see the best of Bracewell in the first match. Not only is he an excellent off-spinner but he is also very good with the bat. He could a real value pick.

PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team 1

Keeper: S Ahmed, T Blundell

Batters: K Williamson, T Latham, B Azam (VC), I Haq, S Shakeel

All-rounders: M Bracewell

Bowlers: I Sodhi, A Ahmed (C), N Ali

PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction - OCB Team Prediction

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