The second test match of Pakistan's 'home' test series against New Zealand will be played in Wellington. New Zealand leads the series 1-0 after beating Pakistan in the first game at Dunedin in a close and a thrilling game that would augur well for all those who fear that test match cricket is history.

However, Pakistan will be rueing their missed chances. They had an equal chance of winning the game when they took field on the final day and looked good as they needed 56 runs to win with five wickets standing and the rather composed looking debutant Umar Akmal guiding them to the victory. However, Shane Bond and Iain O'Brien combined well to scalp the last five wickets for a mere 23 runs.

Pakistan captain, Mohammad Yousuf was obviously not a happy man, and blamed his fielders for the loss. There were four catches that were dropped in the game, and this will be one area that the side will look to improve in the second game. This will be helped by the return of Misbah-ul-Haq who will make a return to the Pakistani squad after having being dropped earlier for poor form. He should be a shoo-in to the playing eleven as well, as his experience in the middle order - and in the slip region - should help his side no ends.

The batting will rely on Umar Akmal again, who seems to have announced himself on the world stage with a couple of innings to remember. He rescued the Pakistanis in both the innings of the game from precarious situations, and his century and half century in the game will be one to remember. Too bad then, his side ended up on the losing end despite his excellence.

For New Zealand, their bowling gelled really well thanks to the return to the side of Shane Bond. Bond captured eight wickets in the game, and thwarted the opposition really well on a track that did have something for the pace bowlers. One is not yet sure about the status of O'Brien who was injured and hence could miss out on the second game, but if that was to be the case, the presence of another excellent bowler in the reserves, Darryl Tuffey, will be soothing for the captain.

The batting, however, continues to remain a problem. Both the innings included, there were three ducks in the top three, and the six innings added only 99 runs, something that the sides will need to address in the next game. Captain Daniel Vettori may have helped his side with a 99, but one cannot expect him to bat and bowl in every game!

Tag :- Daniel Vettori   Mohammad Yousuf   New Zealand   Pakistan   Shane Bond   Umar Akmal