Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st Test: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

Following the whitewash endured by Babar Azam-led team Pakistan against England, the side is set to host New Zealand in a two-match Test series scheduled to commence from December 26 in Karachi. Earlier on Saturday, it was announced that the second Test has been moved from Multan to Karachi due to weather concerns.

The entire series (two Tests and three ODIs) is now set to be staged entirely in Karachi. Speaking about the first Test match, Tim Southee takes over his first assignment as the skipper of the side and will be on the lookout to start off on a positive note against Babar Azam and Co.

It must be noted that New Zealand will lock horns with the hosts following the drama that occurred last year between the two sides. This is due to the fact that New Zealand pulled out of the Pakistan tour in the middle citing security reasons in 2021. Now, with the Kiwis set to cross swords with Pakistan away from home, it will be an interesting clash to see what transpires as the hosts will be looking for redemption due to what happened last year between the two sides.

Pitch and conditions

A decent batting surface can be expected from the pitch in Karachi. The first day could prove to be the best one for the side batting as it will slowly get even better for the spinners as the days pass by. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali loved bowling here in the third Test and will look to prove vital for the side by using the conditions to their advantage against the Kiwis. Both the captains are likely to elect to bat first after winning the toss on Monday.

Predicted Playing XI

Pakistan

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand

Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Ajaz Patel, Neil Wagner

PAK vs NZ Head-to-Head

Played- 60 | New Zealand- 14 | Pakistan- 25 | Draw – 21

PAK vs NZ Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 10:30 AM IST

Live Streaming – Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV app