Pakistan v New Zealand 2nd Test Prediction

Pakistan won their third consecutive Test in almost past three weeks that includes two against Australia and one vs. New Zealand and they will look forward for the identical results in the coming two weeks. The former is hosting the series against different countries in the United Arab Emirates because of the security situation at home. They defeated Australia in Two Test series at 2-0 and leads the three matches against New Zealand by a margin of 1-0.

Pakistan amassed 3-566 in their first innings of the opening Test followed by 175 for the loss of two mere wickets in the second. The Kiwis were bowled out for 262 in their first and faced the same fate at 231 in the second innings. Misbah-ul-Haq became the most successful captain of Pakistan by winning 15 Tests for his country leaving behind Imran Khan and Javed Miandad who grabbed 14 wins each. The determined Pakistani side will be eying on another victory in the second Test whereas the Black Caps will be planning to get back in the series.

Players to watch

The sterling performance by the Pakistani batsmen was the feature of the first Test when four of them smashed centuries and one got fifty plus runs. Ahmed Shehzad got injured in the first innings but not before blasting 176 and he will most probably miss the next two games. Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq powered unbeaten 100 and 102 while Azhar Ali scored 87 and Mohammad Hafeez was undefeated at 101 runs in the second. The deadly bowling combination of Rahat Ali, Zulfiqar Babar, Yasir Shah, Imran Khan and Mohammad Hafeez captured 19 wickets at ease.

Tom Latham crafted a fighting ton in the first innings whereas Ish Sodhi, Corey Anderson and BJ Watling contributed a few runs. The Kiwis require positive knocks from Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson if they want to put the hosts under pressure. Trent Boult and Tim Southee should learn the art of reverse swing from their counterparts while Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig must make their presence felt as vital spinners.

Time & Venue

Monday, November 17 – Friday November 21, 2014 @ 06:00 GMT, 10:00 local at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Weather

A glorious weather throughout the Test with the temperatures around 20-28ᵒC.

Toss

The winning skipper will be glad to send in his batsmen first after winning the toss.

The Pitch

Pakistan won the 1^st Test vs. Australia by 221 runs on October 26, 2014, at the same venue where four of their batsmen and one from the Kangaroos hammered tons. The spinners from both sides grasped 21 wickets so it will be a perfect strip for batting and spin bowling.

Teams

Pakistan – Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan.

New Zealand – Brendon McCullum (C), Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, James Neesham, BJ Watling, Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.

Prediction

Pakistan has demonstrated a wonderful cricket in U.A.E recently and they will be the favourite to win the encounter.