It will be interesting to see how far Raval, Nicholls and others can stretch New Zealand’s innings on Day Three. A healthy lead will further tilt the game in their favour, while early and regular strikes can make it Pakistan’s day.
Post lunch, de Grandhomme continued to wreck havoc on the hapless Pakistani batsmen, who succumbed to the relentless pressure by the Kiwi bowlers and finally surrendered meekly for a total of 133.
De Grandhomme picked up the wickets of Azhar Ali, Babar Azam and Younis Khan to break the back of Pakistan’s batting as the tourists crawled to lunch with score reading 4 for 88.
The Christchurch wicket is expected to be a fair one, assisting both the sides. It is expected to provide considerable assistance to the bowlers on first three mornings before becoming better for batting as the Test progresses.
New Zealand have had a poor time. They lost the two-Test series in South Africa in August this year before going down to India recently away from home.
Pakistan have been in good form in the longest format and will look to dominate New Zealand as well.
New Zealand will look to get off to a good start in the series having lost the two previous series against India and South Africa.
New Zealand and Pakistan will lock horns in the first Test at Christchurch from November 17.
Mitchell Santner was struck on his right wrist while training with the Northern Districts and is also doubtful for the second match of the two-test series.