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The first test between New Zealand and Pakistan begins on December 26 at Mount Maunganui.
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Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team in the absence of Babar Azam.
The long-awaited series of tests between New Zealand and Pakistan stars from Saturday (December 26) at Bay Oval on Mount Maunganui.
The home team would look to carry form similar to what it displayed in the recently concluded T20I series, which it won 2-1. More importantly, the red ball battle against Pakistan is extremely crucial for Kane williamsonside aimed at cementing its place in the ICC World Testing Championship (WTC) final.
On the other hand, Pakistan would go into Test 1 with some confidence after avoiding the clean sweep by defeating Black Caps in the third T20I.
Plot and weather report:
The lane at Bay Oval usually helps paddlers and fans can expect bowlers to repeat a similar story. The storms are expected to have an impact on the game, but only on Sunday, that is, the second day of the game.
Face-to-face record:
Games played: 58 | New Zealand: 12 | Pakistan: 25 | Draw: 21 | Tied: 0
Game combination:
New Zealand
Since Williamson has returned from paternity leave, he would replace Will young in the first game of the two-game series. The rest of the XI is expected to remain the same as they defeated the West Indies 2-0.
NZ XI: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (week), Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee.
Pakistan
Then Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan is the latest injured player on the field for Pakistan. In Babar’s absence, Mohammad Rizwan will be the captain of the side. There could be a pitch between Sohail khan and Yasir Shah.
PAK XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk), Abid Ali, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Yasir Shah / Sohail Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
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