New Zealand are finally back for Test Cricket in Pakistan. They come in with a strong hope of winning the series after seeing how previous sides have done in the nation. They also come in with a new Test captain as Kane Williamson ends his tenure as New Zealand’s Test Captain, allowing New Zealand and Tim Southee to plan for what happens in the next World Test Championship. Another change for New Zealand is Tim Southee’s bowling partner. After sharing new-ball duties for over a decade, Trent Boult has finally decided to move onto franchise Cricket. He is still not retired, but his next Test appearance is uncertain.

The series is an important one for Pakistan too. They lost to Australia earlier in the year and were whitewashed by England just a week ago. After losing their last four home Tests, Pakistan are finally ringing in some changes. With a bowler making a debut in almost each of the England Tests, Pakistan bring back some experience in the form of Hasan Ali.

PAK vs NZ Match Details

Date: December 26th 2022

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- 60 | Pakistan -25 | New Zealand – 15 | Draw- 2` | 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, Mohammad Rizwan, Abrar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali

PAK vs NZ Key Players

Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s sole positive in the last series. His spin and mystery helped Pakistan make something happen in the Test matches, and in him Pakistan has a reliable spinner. A strong contribution from him and some support from the others will certainly help Pakistan move forward.

Ajaz Patel

Ajaz Patel made history the last time he visited the subcontinent with a ten for in an innings. He is now back and will have a turning Karachi ahead of him as he hopes to make the Pakistan batters dance to his tunes.

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