PAK vs NZ: PCB and NZC prepone the tour by a day with mutual agreement, revised schedule released

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled their home bilateral series schedule against New Zealand comprising two Tests and three One Day Internationals starting December 26 which happens to be the ‘Boxing Day’. Both teams will be renewing their rivalry after their ICC T20 World Cup 2022 semis faceoff last month that saw the Men in Green come out on top by seven wickets.

Both PCB and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have mutually agreed to prepone this bilateral series by a day. The series was originally scheduled to commence on December 27. It now remains to be seen whether Pakistan can make things difficult for the Kiwis at home or will the Kane Williamson-led side have the last laugh in both the red and white ball fixtures this time around.

Here’s all you need to know about New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2022/23

The five matches on this tour are scheduled to take place across two cities- Karachi and Multan. The opening Test match will be played at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi between December 26 to 30, while the second and final game will be contested at Multan from January 3 to 7, 2023.

The action will then move to the One Day Internationals with the first match taking place on January 10 and the last two ODIs will be played on the 12th and 14th.  All the three games will be played in Karachi.

While the ODI series will serve as a preparation for both teams for the next year’s 50-overs World Cup in India, the key focus could be on the two-match Test series and it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will be able to challenge the BlackCaps in their own backyard.

The Babar Azam-led side have suffered two consecutive home Test series defeats this year. The first one was against Australia 0-1 and now they are trailing 0-2 against England in the ongoing three-match series.

The 26-run loss against the Three Lions in the second Test match has officially knocked Pakistan out of the WTC final contention.

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2022-23 series

First Test, December 26-30, Karachi

Second Test, January 3-7, Multan

First ODI, January 10, Karachi

Second ODI, January 12, Karachi

Third ODI, January 14, Karachi