Published: Nov 17, 2016, 01:15 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 17, 2016, 03:02 AM (IST)
Hello and welcome to CricketCountry’s live cricket blog and updates of a new series between New Zealand and Pakistan. The live blog will cover everything from Christchurch as Pakistan embark on their tour of New Zealand before heading to Australia for a three-Test series. The first Test for Pakistan at this venue will be another tough affair as they will have to adapt to the conditions on offer in New Zealand. Having said that, Pakistan have the players, especially bowlers, to outclass any opponents across the globe. Meanwhile, New Zealand are coming on the brink of a whitewash in whites against India before the start of this two-Test series. I am Chinmay Jawalekar bringing you all the live cricket updates and scores from this Test which promises to be an intense affair between both sides. Live Cricket Scores, New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Christchurch
Pakistan are coming on the back of a brilliant 2-2 draw against England in England and followed it up with another prolific series triumph over West Indies at United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, they were challenged in their first day-night encounter against West Indies and also lost the last Test by five wickets. This must have exposed some chinks in their armour before they turn up against New Zealand in tough swinging and windy conditions. This young Pakistani side under the inspirational leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq would still be in confidence before they embark on a tough tour of New Zealand followed by Australia tour which will be a litmus test for the visitors.
New Zealand, the hosts of the two-match series, have plenty to ponder upon ahead of the series opener. After a string of losses, they are under tremendous pressure to do well at home. Nonetheless, they have fared well in familiar conditions winning 9 out of their last 13 series in their own den. Martin Guptill has finally been dropped from the Test side and the onus has now turned on his replacement, Indian-born Jeet Raval.
The other players New Zealand have dropped from the squad for India Tests besides Guptill are Doug Bracewell, Jeetan Patel, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig. Keeping the conditions in mind, the spin brigade has been either dropped or rested. Other changes New Zealand made to their squad has been calling uncapped players like Colin de Grandhomme and Todd Astle.
The first Test at Christchurch will be followed by the second and the final Test of the series at the Seddon Park in Hamilton from November 25. The record for Kane Williamson‘ s New Zealand on the first Test venue stands at par by winning and losing one in two encounters whereas Pakistan will play their first ever match in Christchurch.
Squads:
Pakistan: Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq(c), Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed(wk), Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Sharjeel Khan, Imran Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Sohail Khan
New Zealand: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, James Neesham, BJ Watling(wk), Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Colin de Grandhomme
