Pakistan vs New Zealand – PAK vs NZ 1st Test, Cricket Match Prediction, Where To Watch, Probable XI And Fantasy XI Tips

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Pakistan are set to host New Zealand for the Test and ODI Series after 20 years, which starts with 1st Test on December 26th. 

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PAK vs NZ 1st Test: Match Preview:

New Zealand are set to play a Test match in Pakistan for the first time since May 2002. Even though the Black Caps were beaten comprehensively the last time they played against Pakistan in Pakistan, they have won 7 out of the last 8 matches against this opposition. Pakistan on the other hand are coming fresh from an embarrassing 3-0 clean sweep at home against England and would look to bounce back. 

Babar Azam has been the top batter for his team, scoring over 1000 runs in Tests this year at an average of 67. Babar has scored 3 centuries and 7 half-centuries for Pakistan this year. Abdullah Shafique has also been in form with 799 runs (3x100, 2x50) while Imam-ul-Haq has also been dependable with 717 runs (3x100, 2x50). 

Young gun Naseem Shah has been the top wicket-taker for Pakistan in Tests this year with 18 scalps to his name in 5 matches. Abrar Ahmed was a gold find in the series against England, who has already picked up 17 wickets in 2 matches with a 5-wicket haul. Nauman Ali has also contributed with 15 wickets in 2022. 

New Zealand captain and middle-order batter Kane Williamson stepped down from Test captaincy and will be playing as a batter for the Kiwis. Daryl Mitchell has been the top scorer for Kiwis in Tests this year with 641 runs in 6 matches (3x100, 3x50) while Tom Blundell has scored 597 runs in 7 matches (1x100, 5x50). Devon Conway has also scored 539 runs in 7 matches (2x100, 2x50). 

Tim Southee will be leading the Test side, who has picked up 25 wickets in 7 matches this year. Trent Boult has also picked up 25 wickets this year but isn't a part of the squad as he has been released from his national contract. Kyle Jamieson is also missing out as the Kiwi bowling attack will comprise Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner and Neil Wagner. 

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PAK vs NZ 1st Test: Match Details

• Date – Monday, December 26, 2022
• Time – 10:30 AM IST
• Venue – National Stadium, Karachi

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Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Cricket Match? PAK vs NZ 1st Test

While Pakistan will have the home advantage, the World Test Champions New Zealand are also expected to give a tough as the first Test is expected to go down the wire as a close contest. 

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PAK vs NZ Head-to-Head:

• Total – 60
• Pakistan – 25
• New Zealand – 14
• Draw – 21

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PAK vs NZ 1st Test: Where to Watch?

The test series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be broadcasted by Sony Sports Network in India, while the viewers can watch the game on OTT platform Sony Liv. 

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PAK vs NZ 1st Test Team News:

There are no new injury updates from either team as of now. 

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PAK vs NZ 1st Test Probable Playing XI:

• Pakistan – Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed
• New Zealand – Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Ajaz Patel, Neil Wagner

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PAK vs NZ 1st Test Fantasy XI:

• Wicket-keepers – Tom Blundell
• Batters – Kane Williamson, Babar Azam (c), Devon Conway, Imam-ul-Haq
• All-rounders – Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Nawaz
• Bowlers – Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Abrar Ahmed (vc), Nauman Ali