Pakistan have hit town for two Tests against the BLACKCAPS starting at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday November 17th ….. here’s all you need to know about our formidable visitors.
In Form
Following an epic 2-2 series in England and recent victories over the West Indies at home, Pakistan arrive as the second ranked Test team in the world - and deservedly so. They’ve got a lethal mix of talent and experience and their performances in similar English conditions prove they won’t be fish out of water in New Zealand.
Old Pros
They may have a combined age of 80 … yes 80, but in captain Misbah-ul-Haq (42) and his trusty lieutenant Younis Khan (38) the visitors have a steely pair of batsmen who know how to score big runs around the world. They’re both ranked inside the world top 10 bats and with 43 Test hundreds between them they should be at top of the BLACKCAP bowlers’ hit list.
Here to Entertain
From army drill post game celebrations to wild wicket taking tangents around the in field - these Pakistanis are expression plus in the whites. They’ll bring plenty of passion and panache to their cricket and won’t be afraid of getting stuck in.
Read about the WHITE FERNS upcoming Pakistan series here.
Left Arm Nasty Fasty
Lead by the very impressive Mohammad Amir and backed up by Wahab Riaz and Rahat Ali - the Pakistan pace trio should be a real handful in November New Zealand. They can all bowl above 140 kmph and with Christchurch and Hamilton likely to be seamer friendly - they should be licking their lips.
History against the Hosts
Interestingly, Pakistan have a 10-5 win loss ratio in Tests in New Zealand. That’s a very impressive record for a team who play in conditions so different to what they experience down under. They last had a Test tour in 2011 where they secured a 1-0 series win.
Spin King
A leg spinning live wire - Yasir Shah suddenly claimed the number one Test bowler ranking mid year, after bamboozling England in their own conditions. Not afraid to give the ball some air and a good old rip. Always entertaining - especially after a wicket!
First up
A three day warm-up match against New Zealand A at Saxton Oval in Nelson starting November 11th.
What They Said
"I think it's going to be a hell of a series. We're expecting a sort of trial-by-seam. For the New Zealand public, I think it's going to be outstanding." – Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur on arrival.
