Each time these two equally balanced sides compete one can always expect good competition but the level of excitement for a series involving Pakistan & New Zealand lacks a bit of flavor and looks like a mere formality to complete a future tour program. Nevertheless this series will be particularly important for Pakistan because they will be playing there second full series in two years, the series is also vital for the newly appointed Mohammad Yousuf who will want to cement his position as a captain of this young Pakistani side for the upcoming season.
If we look at the line up of the Pakistani team it seems as if each player is fighting for his spot including the captain himself. This test series is a perfect preparation for a tough season ahead of them with matches against Australia & England. Pakistan is currently placed 6th in the ICC rankings with 84 points & New Zealand is placed 7th with 80 points. Folks don’t forget that New Zealand has been only able to beat Bangladesh in the last 11 series since the 2006/2007 season, this says a lot about New Zealand.
Both the teams will be banking on their bowlers to get then 20 wickets, Pakistan is blessed with young Mohammed Aamer who seems to be stealing the spotlight more often & has just begun his career, Mohammad Asif, Shane Bond & Darel Tuffey will be making come backs much for the relief of their captains & fans. Both teams are also blessed with good spinners in Daniel Vettori & Saeed Ajmal. Mhammad Yousuf will be particularly targeted by Daniel Vettori as we are well aware of how suspect Yousuf can be against the left arm spinners, and it was evident in Sri Lanka where Herath got his wicket on 3 occasions & the Lankans were also able to run him out twice. Pakistan will be missing Younis Khan not only for his captaincy but for his world class test batting, slip catching & the recently discovered Seam Bowling, just like Pakistan the kiwis will be short of a coach although they won the ODI series convincingly but modern day cricket always demands for a coach who can give his input on vital moments of the game.
The pressure will be more on Mohammad Yousuf as compared to Vettori, it will be a test of character for Mohamad Yousuf of how he will come up with the extra responsibility of a captain on his shoulders. Shoaib Malik, Salman Butt & Fawad Alam will hold the key for Pakistan by playing sensible innings and occupying the crease for long times this will allow Kamran Akmal & Umar Akmal to play there natural aggressive game, although Pakistan is blessed with plenty of talent in the batting department but has always been suspect of a collapse, same is the case for New Zealand who can collapse on any day, Peter Fulton is called back to the New Zealand squad to strengthen the batting and he will have to occupy the crease with Daniel Flynn and Tim McIntosh to allow the likes of Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori show some aggression.
I would conclude by saying that Pakistan has a more talented team and if they can handle the pressure they can beat any team on a given day, the records is also in Pakistan’s favor since they have won the last 4 out of 5 series against New Zealand in their own backyard, the last win for the kiwis came way back in 1984/1985 in hard fought series where they won by 2-1. Lets hope for the best for our Majestic Lions.
New Zealand team:
Strengths: Bowling, Captaincy and fielding.
Weaknesses: Batting, No Coach.
Pakistan team:
Strengths: Bowling.
Weaknesses: Batting, Captaincy & Slip Catching.
Posted by HR
Oz special
14 years ago
10 comments:
yes only they have to believe in themselves & do not go as underdogs on the field they should think that they are the better team
They must also seize the initiative because we know how "slow starters" Pakistan can be. A good start is essential.
Luckily I have Friday of because of Eid so can watch the action through the night. Other than that I'm only going to watch the highlights which are provided on a regular basis.
My Prediction : 2-0 to Pak provided they start off well.
A defeat is unacceptable against NZ in test cricket. They are a mediocre unit with a rather mediocre track record.
I expect Pakistan to dominate.
However, we shouldn't underestimate there credentials because there a well united and fighting unit who can have their moments of brilliance.
I would say although inexperienced Ajmal is Pakistan's strike bowler. NZ were puzzled by him in UAE ODI series. I hope he continues the attacking style and mystery.
As far batting it can only be the one and only Mohd Yousuf.
Maz Farhat dropped two catches today, we lack good slip catchers
Maz,
I think if our batsmen perform then we win - simple as that. They will have to dig deep though as the conditions will favour the bowlers and are not going to be something Pakistan are used to.
After day one I feel the NZ have the “edge”. Pakistan bowled well and tightly but were let down by some poor slip catching which is a weakness that has been outlined during HK’S preview at BoomBoomCricket. At the same time NZ batted very well, in particular the ever so promising and gifted Ross Taylor who made 94.
Elsewhere, in the world blimey 417/2 on day one. I wonder flat pancake turf or just excellent batting?
Wicket Descriptions on Day one in Pak Vs NZ Match:
Wicket 1= Aamer absolute beauty! First ball of the winter test season and write on the money.
Full, straight and a hint of inswing which too hot to handle for the left hander.
Wicket 2= Good delivery from Asif. First wicket in his comeback. Just holds its line against the lefty as he nicks it!
Wicket 3= Gr8 result for Aamer and good catch from Fawad. Banged in short and with intent as the batsmen fall in the trap.
Wicket 4= Cracking flight from Ajmal as he throws it up inviting the drive and gets the edge which is very well caught by Farhat in slip.
Wicket 5= Just nipped back a touch from Asif and results in the inside edge as he plays on.
Wicket 6= A fine delivery from Asif but a lack of footwork from the batsmen as he gifts a second catch for Kamran Akmal behing the stumps.
Hats off too Ajmal who was economical as ever. 9 maidens in 26 overs. He maintained pressure and aggression and was unlucky not to pick up more scapls in my books.
Asif also made a sound comeback !
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