CHRISTCHURCH: The first test match of the two-game series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in Christchurch from Thursday (tomorrow), ARY News reported.
Pakistan has not lost a test series since 2014 and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq will be eyeing to lead his side to victory in this test series as well.
The South Asian side has not lost a test series against the Kiwis for the past 30 years. New Zealand last won a test series against Pakistan at their home ground back in 1985.
Since 1985, the two sides have played 12 test series. Pakistan won seven and drew five test series.
Pakistan and New Zealand will be relying on their pace attacks on the pace and bouncy tracks in Christchurch. It will be a test for the batsmen of both teams.
Pakistan (squad): Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Rahat Ali, Sami Aslam, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicket keeper), Sharjeel Khan, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah and Younis Khan.
New Zealand (squad): Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Matt Henry, James Neesham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, B.J. Watling (wicket keeper), Todd Astle, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner.
Pakistan’s morale will be high following its 2-1 series win over West Indies in UAE. New Zealand, on the other hand, suffered a 3-0 whitewash in away series in India.
