If past track record is any yardstick then Pakistan will begin their two-Test series in New Zealand as firm favourites. The Pakistanis have not lost a Test series against New Zealand since 1984-85
If past track record is any yardstick then Pakistan will begin their two-Test series in New Zealand as firm favourites. The Pakistanis have not lost a Test series against New Zealand since 1984-85.
Pakistan’s pace bowlers Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali have the capability to exploit the friendly conditions, but the fragile batting could be in trouble on pitches where the ball moves a lot and bounces too. Facing the short balls from their pacers could be a challenge for the Pakistani batsmen.
It would be a tough test for Pakistani top order, especially openers. Pakistan have tried six opening combinations since the start of 2015. Azhar Ali was promoted up the order and scored his maiden triple-century from that position against West Indies last month. Sami Aslam looks settled and hopefully this combination will carry on in New Zealand.
For this Test series, 27-year-old left-hand opening batsman Sharjeel Khan has been selected. He has been a regular member of Pakistan limited-overs teams but never tested in Test matches. His back-to-back performances of 96 and 82 not out in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy opened the doors for him.
Skipper Misbah ul Haq who won the last Test series here in 2010-11 has confidence in his boys to overcome the challenges in New Zealand and will adjust with the conditions quickly.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah again will be the difference between the two teams. India, with the help of their three spinners, whitewashed New Zealand last month and the weaknesses of Kiwi batsmen against quality spin bowling must encourage Misbah to use his spinners effectively.
It will be the first full series for new bowling coach Azhar Mahmood. He served as bowling coach for Asia Cup and World Twenty20 and also guided the team during the England tour.
Azhar served Pakistan for around 10 years, but does not have much experience as a coach. PCB was interested to hire former fast bowler Aaqib Javed but he refused due to his engagements with Lahore Qalandars.
Pakistan team head coach Mickey Arthur had also suggested some names but due to the demand for high salaries, Azhar was hired.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, after defeat in India, must be desperate to win the Test series against Pakistan.
The last Test series between the two countries ended in a 1-1 draw in the UAE in 2014-15. Pakistan won the Test series in 2010-11 in New Zealand when they beat the Kiwis 1-0.
From 1955-56 to 2010-11, Pakistan have had a clear edge. In the 53 Tests played so far, Pakistan have won 24 while New Zealand have been successful only on eight occasions.
Twenty one Test series have been played between the two countries. Pakistan have won 13.
Pakistan’s highest innings score against New Zealand is 643, at Lahore in 2002, while in New Zealand, Pakistan’s highest innings score is 616-5, at Auckland in 1988-89. New Zealand made their highest score of 690 against Pakistan at Sharjah in 2014.
The victory by an innings and 324 runs in Lahore against New Zealand in 2002 is still the biggest Test win for Pakistan. New Zealand’s largest victory, by an innings and 185 runs, came at Hamilton in 2001.
Javed Miandad is the most successful Pakistan batsman against New Zealand with 1,919 runs in 18 Test appearances with an average of 79.95 including seven centuries, his highest score being 271. Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan all average over 50 against the Kiwis.
For New Zealand, former captain Martin Crowe was the highest run-getter against Pakistan with 973 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 57.23 with two hundreds.
On the bowling side, Waqar Younis has been the highest wicket-taker with 70 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 19.60. Wasim Akram took 60 wickets in only nine Tests at an average of 17.01. For New Zealand, Sir Richard Hadlee was the most successful bowler against Pakistan with 51 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 28.39.