No.1 Test rankings appear on New Zealand

Overview

New Zealand v Pakistan, 2nd Test
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Sunday, January 3 – Thursday, January 7, 11.00am local time, 10:00 GMT

A lot has gone right for New Zealand in the last few days. They defeated Pakistan in the first Test of the series at the Bay Oval, a tight end finish that took them an inch away from the top spot in the test rankings. Their captain, Kane Williamson, is the new No.1 test bat and they have a good chance of taking their place ICC World Test Tournament position and retains their place in the final.

They will enter the Second Test with that confidence and ride on the form of their key players. They have a hard batting line, capable of burying big scores. Their bowling attack is just as good as plenty of options. Their fast bowlers, in particular, have been formidable lately. While they miss Neil Wagner, who broke his toes in the first game, they get inspiration from the presence of Matt Henry, who did well recently for the A New Zealand side.

“Matt has been in good shape with the member having recently taken 6/53 for New Zealand A against Pakistan Shaheens in December,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. out of the Test, so we need to take a look at the surface while also evaluating our options for making the best team. “

Pakistan is a force that needs to be judged even though their lack of consistency may be an issue. Their heroic fight was unsuccessful in the first Test but they are able to beat the best teams on any given day. They would hope that regular captain and star Babar Azam would prove the fitness of the game and bring confidence in the much-needed team. Their biggest concern is the shape of their openers, Shan Masood and Abid Ali. While Abid has performed well in his short test career, Shan has not even surpassed 20 in his last six innings. If they decide to move things around, the visitors may discuss Imran Butt, who has excelled in domestic competitions over the past year.

Remember last time:

The Bay Oval Test turned out to be an interesting sight with all three possible results heading into the final day. Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan had strengthened Pakistan’s position in the first two sessions but their wickets at the start of the final session sparked a remarkable turn. Pakistan’s tail almost pulled out when the last pair of wickets of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi stood for 47 balls but the New Zealand bowlers stood by their plan and picked up the final wicket with less the five remaining petals a day. , directing the guests to the 101 run effect. The win meant that not only did New Zealand go 1-0 up in the two-game series but they are also on the verge of beating Australia. Test team levels.

What they said:

Kane Williamson (New Zealand captain): “We have closed such a tight end against Pakistan. I think the last three have gone to the last 25 minutes of the last day. It was an interesting game. [at the Bay Oval] and for us, a lot of hard work went into it. It’s exciting to get over the line and still look for a chance in the World Test. “

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan standing captain): “We need some improvement in our top order and then we can perform well. We’ve done well before and we can do it again. They’re expected to run for a bit and they need to score. They’ve I know that situations are difficult, but then all they have to do is see the new member, stay indoors and do it. high scores. “