Pak vs NZ: Second Test to be played in Karachi due to fog in Multan

LAHORE: The second Test of the home series against New Zealand has been shifted to Karachi due to deteriorating weather conditions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Saturday.

The second Test was scheduled in Multan from January 3-7, while the first was from December 26-30 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

However, both Tests will be played in the National Bank Cricket Arena Karachi after a mutual agreement between the PCB and New Zealand Cricket.

The date for the second Test and three ODIs have also been brought forwarded by a day.

The weather conditions have already disrupted flight operations and may also potentially result in the loss of playing hours.

“It has also been agreed between the two boards that the second Test and the three ODIs will now be brought forward by a day, meaning the second Test will commence on 2 January with the three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures to be played on 9, 11 and 13 January,” a PCB statement said.

The PCB had earlier changed the date of the first Test from 27th-31st December to 26th-30th December.

Revised schedule for tour

26-30 December - 1st Test, Karachi

2-6 January – 2nd Test, Karachi

9 January – 1st ODI, Karachi

11 January – 2nd ODI, Karachi

13 January – 3rd ODI, Karachi

New Zealand squad in Pakistan for historic Test, ODI series

New Zealand arrived in Pakistan on morning of December 22 and has held two practice session since their arrival in Karachi.

The Black Caps will play two Tests and an ODI series against Pakistan.

The upcoming series marks the beginning of Tim Southee's reign as New Zealand test captain after he took over from Kane Williamson, who ended his six-year tenure earlier this month.

The New Zealand Cricket Board shared glimpses of their departure from Auckland on Wednesday.

Back in September 2021, New Zealand abandoned its tour of Pakistan over security concerns that mystified the hosts, just before the Black Caps’ first scheduled match in Pakistan in 18 years.

Pakistan have named an uncapped middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam and fast bowler Hasan Ali in the 16-player squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and Glenn Phillips are back in the Kiwis squad for Pakistan Tests, while uncapped Blair Tickner will debut.

Tim Southee will lead the Test squad for the first time as skipper following Kane Williamson's announcement to retire as the Kiwis' captain in red-ball cricket.

Pak Test squad

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Zahid Mehmood

NZ Test squad

Tim Southee (captain), Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson and Will Young.