Live Cricket Score, New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st Test Day 3 at Christchurch: New Zealand pace their way into the game

Bringing you all the live cricket updates and scores from this Test which promises to be an intense affair between both sides.

Hello and welcome to CricketCountry’s live cricket blog and updates of third day of 1st Test of the series between New Zealand and Pakistan. Day 1 ended with no play because of incessant rain at Christchurch. Day 2 saw Pakistan’s first innings folding up for 133 before New Zealand putting up 104 for 3 at the close of play. The live blog will cover everything from Christchurch as Pakistan play this 2-Test series against New Zealand before going to Australia for a 3-Test series. The first Test for Pakistan at this venue will be slight tough for them as they will have to adapt to the conditions but they have the backing of their excellent record in New Zealand since 1985. Having said that, Pakistan have players, especially bowlers — be it spinners or pacers, to outclass any opponents across the globe. 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.

New Zealand last won a Test series against Pakistan in 1985. But since then, they have been unable to register a single series victory over Pakistan, be it home, away or in neutral conditions. Since 1985, 12 Test series’ have been played between both the sides, in which Pakistan won seven while five ended in a draw. Currently, Pakistan are coming on the back from an impressive 2-2 draw series against England in England, followed by another prolific series triumph over West Indies at United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although, they were challenged in their first day-night encounter against West Indies but somehow managed to turn the game in their favour. They also won the second Test against West Indies quite convincingly but were defeat by the Caribbean side in the third game at Sharjah by five wickets.

That defeat 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 their 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.

Not to forget that New Zealand were recently whitewashed by India in India in a 3-Test series, which hurt their morale quite badly. Before that, they also lost a series in South Africa and 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.

TRENDING NOW

Because of heavy rain on the first day of this match, not even toss could happen, which may play a key role in this match and because of that, we are likely to see 98 overs being bowled on the remaining days. 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.