 The first Test was won astonishingly by Pakistan within three days. While Pakistan
celebrated their first win under Misbah ul Haq, The Kiwis sank to another
low in Test cricket. And they know they have to bounce back quickly at Wellington
in the second and final Test of the series.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Pakistan
Anything less than a win would mean that New Zealand concede the series.
If they don't regroup before January 12, New Zealand will lose their first ever
series against Pakistan at home.
New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori was regretful of the dreadful batting
performance in the second innings at Wellington. The Kiwis were 35/0 but lost
their last 10 wickets for 74 runs and bowled out for 110, allowing Pakistan
to thrash them by 10 wickets.
Vettori said that their batting let them down and fielding wasn't good either.
Brent Arnel was decent with the ball, while Chris Martin and Southee also bowled
tight lines. It is likely that the trio will retain their place for the second
Test. The batting however may have some changes. Tim McIntosh, Jesse Ryder, Kane
Williamson and Ross Taylor are all in poor form.
New Zealand have quickly shaken the pride of combating well in India. They need
to perform contrastingly to Auckland at Wellington. Another thing New Zealand
would be worried about is their inability to bowl out tail. Pakistan tail added
115 vital runs as New Zealand bowled some were ordinary line and length.
All three departments were woeful. Wellington pitch is likely to suit seam bowling,
lets see if New Zealand seamers can cash in. New Zealand have not won a Test match
in over a year and that needs to change quickly if they want to put breaks on
their slide.
New Zealand have lost four of their last five Tests with one draw.
Before October Pakistan were widely regarded as a team more suited to limited
cricket, but with the new regime of Misbah ul Haq, their performances in Tests
have outshone their inconsistent limited overs form. After holding South Africa
to two draws in UAE, Pakistan have won their first Test under Misbah ul Haq.
Pakistan have not won a Test series in more than four years and they golden
chance to end the drought at Wellington in the coming week. Pakistan do not
have injury problems at the moment. Despite suspensions and selection issues
of key players like Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamer, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik
and Danish Kaneria , Pakistan looked a well balanced team.
Saeed Ajmal will return to the squad but might sit out as Abdur Rehman shone
both with bat and ball in the Auckland Test. Pakistan are likely to field
the same side and would be desperate to register a series win at last. But with
Pakistan, complacency and unpredictability is always on the cards.
Pakistan have won two, drawn two and lost one in their last five Tests.
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