First published on December 26, 2022, 11:07 AM IST
Karachi: Pakistan bat in the first match against New Zealand. Pakistan captain Babar Azam elected to bat after winning the match at the National Stadium, Karachi. But Pakistan’s start proved the captain’s decision wrong. The hosts lost two wickets. There are 19 runs on the scoreboard. Abdul Shefiq (7) and Shan Masood (3) returned. Shefiq returns by hitting wicketkeeper Tom Blundell off Ajaz Patel. Masood was also stumped by Michael Bracewell. Imam-ul-Haq (8) and Babar Azam (0) are at the crease.
This is New Zealand’s first Test series since Kane Williamson stepped down as captain. It will also be New Zealand’s first Test since June. Sodhi, Ajas and Bracewell are the spinners in the New Zealand team.
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Agha Salman, Nauman Ali, Muhammad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza.
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henty Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Bracewell, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel.
We need to return to Pakistan. Pakistan had lost the three-match series against England. That is why Babar Azam and his team are aiming for a comeback. There are two Tests in the series. Both will play three ODI series later. The ODI starts on January 9. All matches are played in Karachi.
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Last Updated December 26, 2022, 11:07 AM IST
