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Pakistan vs New Zealand: Second Test Preview

Cricket ball sits on pitch

Pakistan provided the perfect response after going 1-0 down in the series when they flattened the Black Caps in the second Test of their series in the UAE.

After an abysmal display in Abu Dhabi, Yasir Shah led the revival in Dubai and set up a series decider at the Sheikh Zayed International Stadium.

Pakistan vs New Zealand | 3-7 December | Sheikh Zayed International Stadium

To Win Match
Pakistan 5/10
Draw 9/2
New Zealand 33/10

Pakistan
Pakistan improved across every department during the second Test, with a much-improved first innings batting effort laying the platform for Yasir’s record-breaking efforts. Haris Sohail scored his second ton of the 2018 season, while Babar Azam ended the long wait for a maiden Test century.

The team has an excellent mix of youth and experience in the top order, which has allowed the younger players to thrive playing around the likes of Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali. They made New Zealand toil hard in the first innings – and will be looking to test them again in the decisive contest.

Yasir’s 14 wickets in Dubai represented an almost lone hand from the leg-spinner, from whom much will be expected yet again. The rest of Pakistan’s attack put in a shift, but received little reward for their efforts on the lifeless track.

Pakistan may have convinced New Zealand that the gap between the two sides is larger than it really is, though, and Sarfraz Ahmed’s troops will do well not to lose focus with a series win within their grasp.

New Zealand
New Zealand let themselves down badly when they were skittled for just 90 in their first innings of the second Test, but found some fight in the second dig.

The Black Caps bowlers, like most of the Pakistan attack, found the pitch unresponsive to their efforts – and success was only achieved by the sweat of their brows and even then wickets were rare.

A return to the scene of their first Test triumph might provide a boost for the tourists, who have played well on this tour despite having little to show for their efforts.

Ross Taylor continues to enjoy a rich vein of form, showing that class is permanent, but the Kiwis would dearly like to see skipper Kane Williamson craft a big ton.

Verdict: Pakistan 5/10
The tide has turned in their favour – and Pakistan should close out the series with a win in Abu Dhabi.

Written by Jonhenry Wilson for Hollywoodbets

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