New Zealand vs Pakistan – 2nd Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Pakistan taking place? Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 – 22:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Pakistan taking place? Hagley Oval, Christchurch
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs Pakistan? 21-231c with sunshine and cloudy intervals with a risk of rain on the last day
What channel is New Zealand vs Pakistan on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport 3
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Pakistan? The match will be streamed live on the BT Sport app and website
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand vs Pakistan? Tickets for this match can be purchased here!
LAST MEETING
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 101 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand produced some late heroics on day five of the first Test as they ultimately managed to bowl the tourists out to win by 101 runs and continue their outstanding form at home and against Pakistan in Test match cricket.
- As has so often been the case in their recent good from, they put up a big total when batting first and then their bowlers backed it up and it was made all the more impressive given the fact Neil Wagner bowled 49 overs despite breaking a toe while batting.
- Wagner will miss this game so the Blackcaps have called Matt Henry into the squad and he seems the most solid replacement and that is likely to be the only change to the eleven that won in Mount Maunganui.
PAKISTAN
- Pakistan put up a great fight in the first Test but ultimately fell short despite the heroics of Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam in the second innings although they were up against it for the vast majority of that game.
- They were not helped by poor displays by their two opening batsmen Shan Masood and Abid Ali were both out for a duck in the second innings and there is a chance that they will give a debut to Imran Butt.
- They will be hoping star batsmen Babar Azam can prove his fitness after a fractured thumb and he spent a long spell in the nets on Sunday in preparation for this game but his participation will ultimately be decided by the doctor.
UPDATE: Babar Azam has been ruled out so that will hand a reprieve to one of their batsmen but the batting remains fragile.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand managed to eventually break Pakistan’s brave resistance in the first Test on what was an unusually flat and uneventful pitch at the Bay Oval but they will expect more favourable conditions in Christchurch. They will be without Neil Wagner but they will still be confident especially with the way their batsmen are playing and their pace attack. Pakistan may be able to count on Babar Azam but it could take their star batsman some time to find top form and there are plenty of holes within their batting line-up especially at the top of the order. With conditions likely to favour the bowlers more so than in the first Test, this one should end way before day five this time around and the hosts simply have to be favoured to romp to another comprehensive victory.
