We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Probable XIs
Probable XI for Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah/Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali/Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed
Probable XI for New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel
Pitch Report
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
(Based on the last 3 games)
1st innings average score: 360
2nd innings average score: 293
3rd innings average score: 186
4th innings average score: 234
Wickets per innings: 8
Type: Good for batting. Helps spinners as the game progresses.
Weather: Clear.
Wins
Batting 1st: —
Batting 2nd: 67%
Fantasy Tips of The Day
Going by recent history in Pakistan, spinners are likely to pick more wickets as compared to seamers. The top three wicket-takers were spinners in the recently concluded series between Pakistan and England.
Smart Picks
New Zealand’s biggest threat is likely to be in the form of Abrar Ahmed, who finished as the highest wicket-taker (17), including a seven-for on his debut in the series against England.
With one hundred and 3 fifties, Babar Azam was the leading run-getter (348 at 58) against England. Against New Zealand in 5 Tests, he has added 409 runs, including the highest score of 127*.
Not far behind was Saud Shakeel, who accumulated 346 runs at 45. Incidentally, he ended up scoring the most half-centuries (4) in the England series.
Much of New Zealand’s fortunes will depend on how Kane Williamson performs with the bat. He has amassed 774 runs at a whopping average of 97, including the highest score of 238 in the last 5 Tests against Pakistan.
It has been a reasonably productive year for Imam-ul-Haq at the top. In 4 Tests at home, he has collected 331 runs at 41, including the highest score of 121 against England at Rawalpindi.
Similar to how Jack Leech kept providing England with regular breakthroughs, Ajaz Patel is expected to bowl extended spells, especially towards the business end of the game. It is not to be forgotten that when he last played a Test in the subcontinent, he finished with a 14-wicket haul!
Henry Nicholls has tasted decent success against Pakistan. In 7 Tests against them, he has scored 580 runs at 58, including 2 centuries and as many fifties.
The abrasive conditions will encourage reverse swing. Just as we witnessed James Anderson demonstrate his skills, Tim Southee is also a renowned exponent of the craft. He has bagged 18 wickets in his last 5 Tests. Watch out for the late moving deliveries to the tailenders.
