Pakistan vs. New Zealand 1st Test Prediction: Pakistan to Win

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam hit another critical, significant Test century on day one of the first Test against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The hosts are coming off their first three-match Test series whitewash at home, as England defeated them 3-0 earlier this month. The final Test of that series was held in Karachi, and Pakistan will be hoping to improve their record in this game.

During Pakistan's series against England, there were two notable batsmen. Captain Babar Azam scored three half-centuries and a century to lead the hosts in run scoring. Along with the skipper, Saud Shakeel scored four half-centuries in his maiden Test series, and he will be confident heading into this Test.

Pakistan has not won a Test at home this year and has only won one Test overall (at home and away).

This will be New Zealand's first Test under the leadership of seasoned swing bowler Tim Southee, who took over for Kane Williamson earlier this month. It will also be New Zealand's first game in this format since they were defeated 3-0 away in England in June.

New Zealand has a very good batting lineup, with many of their players playing in several formats, thus many of Pakistan's bowlers will have played them in white ball games earlier this year. Former captain Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, and Daryl Mitchell are all in fine form in this format.

In this match, New Zealand is attempting to avoid their sixth consecutive Test defeat.

Throughout the Test, expect a decent batting pitch that will turn for the spinners. In the first innings, a par score will be about 330.

• Pakistan to win for 1.98
• Double Chance – New Zealand or X for 2.688
• Total Runs, Over Number 92 Over 2.5 for 2.1