Pakistan vs New Zealand 2018, 1st Test – Dream11 Fantasy Tips

Pakistan might edge past the visitors considering their recent form as New Zealand would need time to settle and perform at their best.

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Pakistan team. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

After some exciting action in the limited-overs series, New Zealand and Pakistan set to face off in the three-match Test series starting on Friday. Pakistan won the 3-match T20I series 3-0 but were made to fight hard by the Kiwis. The ODI series ended in a draw as the deciding 3rd ODI was washed out due to rain. The Test series is expected to go down the wire given New Zealand’s ability to adapt to the subcontinent conditions quickly.

However, it will be interesting to see how the Kiwis respond here as they have not played any Test match in the last seven months. In fact, prior to this UAE tour, they have not featured in an International game since April. Their last Test match away from home was during the 2016 tour of India and have played only 11 Tests in these two years. They need to think a lot for picking the playing XI whether to go with four bowlers and an all-rounder or with three pacers and two spinners.

Match Details:

The first Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand will be hosted by the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The match will begin on 16 November 2018 at 10:00 AM local time (6:00 AM GMT) (11:30 AM IST).

Last five Test matches:

Pakistan: W, D, L, W, W.

New Zealand: D, W, W, W, D.

Pitch Condition/Report:

During the Pakistan-Australia Test match, the Abu Dhabi track produced turn and bounce from the very first day. This could be same in the game between Pakistan and New Zealand going by the way the pitch at this venue played during the ODI series. The batsmen faced tough time batting during the daytime but chasing seemed a lot easier under lights.

Squads:

Pakistan:

Sarfraz Ahmed (C), Mohammad Hafeez, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Saad Ali, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas , Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Mir Hamza.

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Jeet Raval, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, William Somerville.

Probable XI:

Pakistan:

Sarfraz Ahmed (C & wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi/Mir Hamza.

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (C), Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Tim Southee/Colin de Grandhomme, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel/William Somerville.

Power Picks:

Neil Wagner puts his best every time he plays and has the ability to take wickets in all conditions. Jeet Raval got some game time during the unofficial Test series in the UAE and could continue his good record in the longer format.

Best Playing XI:

BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Asad Shafiq, Jeet Raval, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Bilal Asif, Trent Boult, Yasir Shah, Neil Wagner, Mohammad Abbas.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Mohammad Hafeez has been playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s victories with both bat and ball since his comeback. As Hafeez opens the innings and could also bowl a good number of overs, he will be an ideal option for a multiplier role. Yasir Shah in UAE conditions will always make up for captain/vice-captain. Mohammad Abbas’ consistency in picking wickets can be useful for vice-captain role. Kane Williamson, Jeet Raval and Neil Wagner are considerable options from New Zealand for multipliers.

Expert Advice:

Azhar Ali hasn’t been consistent in Test cricket of late but after his decision to concentrate on longer format could help him produce better performances. Tim Southee might not be a part of the playing XI unless they decide to go with five regular bowling options.

Probable Winners:

Pakistan might edge past the visitors considering their recent form as New Zealand would need time to settle and be at their best.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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