Misbab-led Pakistan reach New Zealand for two Tests

KARACHI: Pakistan landed in Auckland, New Zealand Sunday to commence their Tour Down Under where they would take on New Zealand in a two-Test series before heading to Australia for three Tests and five ODIs. The Misbahul Haq-led team will begin their New Zealand tour with a three-day warm-up game against New Zealand A in Nelson from November 11. The first Test against New Zealand will start from November 17 in Christchurch, while the second and final match of the series will be played in Hamilton from November 25. Pakistan won the series against the West Indies in all formats, whitewashing them in the T20I and one-day series and winning the Test series 2-1.

The defeat in the last Test - the only loss on the tour - shook the side but Misbah is confident the team will bounce back. “We certainly have tough series ahead of us but we have proven before that we can do well against any opposition in the world,” the Pakistan captain said ahead of team's departure to New Zealand. “We have lost a bit of momentum with the defeat against the West Indies but we certainly will bounce back.”

Meanwhile a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman, despite acknowledging the challenge faced by Pakistan in New Zealand and Australia, is hopeful the team will perform well. “The fast tracks may prove to be a tough challenge for Pakistan batsmen but we have a balanced squad and that should come in handy in the series against New Zealand and Australia,” he said. “Our bowling attack is also impressive and fast-bowlers such as Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz can take advantage of the fast tracks to create problems for the Kiwis,” he added.