Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[JSRAW]

The drama never ends with this Pakistan team and they have lost two wickets in their 2nd innings without putting a single run on the board. How often do we see this happening before in a test match where a team is 2-0 ?

Both Abdullah Shafique  and Mir Hamza were bowled by Sodhi and now it is almost impossible for the Pakistan team to save this test match. I don't know how Babar Azam can alone take them to victory  

I am baffled with the tactics from New Zealand. If they wanted to declare early, then they should have scored runs quickly. They declared their innings with a lead of just 319 runs. Kane Williamson had a strike rate of less than 40 and Henry Nicholls was even worse, although Michael Bracewell in the end spiked the scoring rate. Luckily for them, the bowlers did well yesterday and now Pakistan need that many runs with just 8 wickets in hand. But Babar Azam is yet to come and there is still a good chance for a Pakistani win.

Both teams are playing thakela game, so far no one actually showed any intent to win and just looking for draw due to the slow pitch.

Those late 2 wickets helped Kiwis but the pitch is still way too good to bat on. Pakistan could have been in a better place if Sarfaraz was a bit more accurate behind the wickets, he's having a pathetic test match as wk.

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[Sithara007]

Both teams are playing thakela game, so far no one actually showed any intent to win and just looking for draw due to the slow pitch.

Those late 2 wickets helped Kiwis but the pitch is still way too good to bat on. Pakistan could have been in a better place if Sarfaraz was a bit more accurate behind the wickets, he's having a pathetic test match as wk.

New Zealand was aiming for the win and that is why they set up a very aggressive target of 319 runs with 90 overs remaining. Given the flat track at Karachi, it would have been relatively easy for the opposing team. But Pakistan being Pakistan, made a mess of the chase. Lost two important wickets (that of Abdullah Shafique and Mir Hamza even before they could open scoring). Still the target is achievable and the 5th day is going to be really exciting. The declaration by Tim Southee has made this test match very very interesting.

[pakhitheboss]

Both teams are playing thakela game, so far no one actually showed any intent to win and just looking for draw due to the slow pitch.

Those late 2 wickets helped Kiwis but the pitch is still way too good to bat on. Pakistan could have been in a better place if Sarfaraz was a bit more accurate behind the wickets, he's having a pathetic test match as wk.

New Zealand was aiming for the win and that is why they set up a very aggressive target of 319 runs with 90 overs remaining. Given the flat track at Karachi, it would have been relatively easy for the opposing team. But Pakistan being Pakistan, made a mess of the chase. Lost two important wickets (that of Abdullah Shafique and Mir Hamza even before they could open scoring). Still the target is achievable and the 5th day is going to be really exciting. The declaration by Tim Southee has made this test match very very interesting.

What can you expect from Pakistan they are good in digging their own hole. Losing two wickets for none is a disaster. Hopefully they play the full 90 overs and draw this match. Kiwis also do not have any intent of winning this match otherwise they would have stopped at 250 and given the opportunity to Pakistan batters. Another test match which might end in a draw.

[Sithara007]

Both teams are playing thakela game, so far no one actually showed any intent to win and just looking for draw due to the slow pitch.

Those late 2 wickets helped Kiwis but the pitch is still way too good to bat on. Pakistan could have been in a better place if Sarfaraz was a bit more accurate behind the wickets, he's having a pathetic test match as wk.

New Zealand was aiming for the win and that is why they set up a very aggressive target of 319 runs with 90 overs remaining. Given the flat track at Karachi, it would have been relatively easy for the opposing team. But Pakistan being Pakistan, made a mess of the chase. Lost two important wickets (that of Abdullah Shafique and Mir Hamza even before they could open scoring). Still the target is achievable and the 5th day is going to be really exciting. The declaration by Tim Southee has made this test match very very interesting.

What can you expect from Pakistan they are good in digging their own hole. Losing two wickets for none is a disaster. Hopefully they play the full 90 overs and draw this match. Kiwis also do not have any intent of winning this match otherwise they would have stopped at 250 and given the opportunity to Pakistan batters. Another test match which might end in a draw.

LOL.. 250? 250 in 95 or so overs is just like cakewalk for Pakistan. 350 would have guaranteed a win for New Zealand or draw, but the Kiwi captain (Southee) declared with a lead of 319. Also you need to keep in mind that New Zealand is without the services of a world class spinner ever since the retirement of Daniel Vettori. Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell and Ajaz Patel can't be considered as reliable spinners. Given this, I would not support your argument that the Kiwis should have declared with a lead of 250. It would have been suicidal for them.

[pakhitheboss]

What can you expect from Pakistan they are good in digging their own hole. Losing two wickets for none is a disaster. Hopefully they play the full 90 overs and draw this match. Kiwis also do not have any intent of winning this match otherwise they would have stopped at 250 and given the opportunity to Pakistan batters. Another test match which might end in a draw.

LOL.. 250? 250 in 95 or so overs is just like cakewalk for Pakistan. 350 would have guaranteed a win for New Zealand or draw, but the Kiwi captain (Southee) declared with a lead of 319. Also you need to keep in mind that New Zealand is without the services of a world class spinner ever since the retirement of Daniel Vettori. Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell and Ajaz Patel can't be considered as reliable spinners. Given this, I would not support your argument that the Kiwis should have declared with a lead of 250. It would have been suicidal for them.

Pakistan has not been able to chase small totals like 96 runs in the past. The less the score the more mistakes Pakistan batters would have made and the more attacking would have been NZ bowlers but looks like now this match will end in a draw unless Paksitan batting collapse without any reason, which can happen in today's match. At moment I am certain that this match will end in a draw.

[elevates]

I was just wondering! If Babar Azam steps down or gets sacked as the test captain who is the probable contender to replace him? I have two players in my mind. The first one is the current wicket-keeper and ex-captain of Pakistan Sarfaraz Ahmed and the second one is another wicket-keeper Mohamad Rizwan.

Who do you think can replace Babar Azam as the captain of the Test squad?

[romero121]

I was just wondering! If Babar Azam steps down or gets sacked as the test captain who is the probable contender to replace him? I have two players in my mind. The first one is the current wicket-keeper and ex-captain of Pakistan Sarfaraz Ahmed and the second one is another wicket-keeper Mohamad Rizwan.

Who do you think can replace Babar Azam as the captain of the Test squad?

I don't think Babar Azam will step down from the captaincy. For now captaincy had never been a problem with the test squad, because somehow his performance and Rizwan's contribution will be there. He is the Pakistani cricketer who had the highest test cricket runs as captain. He had got good list of records as captain that makes his best captain in all three formats of cricket.

[Sithara007]

I was just wondering! If Babar Azam steps down or gets sacked as the test captain who is the probable contender to replace him? I have two players in my mind. The first one is the current wicket-keeper and ex-captain of Pakistan Sarfaraz Ahmed and the second one is another wicket-keeper Mohamad Rizwan.

Who do you think can replace Babar Azam as the captain of the Test squad?

Mohamad Rizwan is playing decently now, and I don't think that the PCB should ruin his career by overburdening him with additional responsibilities (the same thing that happened with Babar Azam). Let Sarfaraz Ahmed handle this responsibility for now, as he is more mature and experienced. I would have considered Shaheen Shah Afridi (once he is free from injury), but having a pace bowler as the captain is a bit extreme. Australia tried to do the same with Pat Cummins, and I am afraid that it is not working that well.

[pakhitheboss]

I was just wondering! If Babar Azam steps down or gets sacked as the test captain who is the probable contender to replace him? I have two players in my mind. The first one is the current wicket-keeper and ex-captain of Pakistan Sarfaraz Ahmed and the second one is another wicket-keeper Mohamad Rizwan.

Who do you think can replace Babar Azam as the captain of the Test squad?

Mohamad Rizwan is playing decently now, and I don't think that the PCB should ruin his career by overburdening him with additional responsibilities (the same thing that happened with Babar Azam). Let Sarfaraz Ahmed handle this responsibility for now, as he is more mature and experienced. I would have considered Shaheen Shah Afridi (once he is free from injury), but having a pace bowler as the captain is a bit extreme. Australia tried to do the same with Pat Cummins, and I am afraid that it is not working that well.

Shaheen Shah Afridi would have been my number 1 contender for the captaincy spot. He is a bowler and would be able to handle the pressure but injuries might hamper him as a captain.

Pakistan have already lost 5 wickets they are struggling to play spin. Both Sodhi and Bracewell have taken 2 wickets each. At this momentum Pakistan might lose this test match. 

[Sithara007]

Mohamad Rizwan is playing decently now, and I don't think that the PCB should ruin his career by overburdening him with additional responsibilities (the same thing that happened with Babar Azam). Let Sarfaraz Ahmed handle this responsibility for now, as he is more mature and experienced. I would have considered Shaheen Shah Afridi (once he is free from injury), but having a pace bowler as the captain is a bit extreme. Australia tried to do the same with Pat Cummins, and I am afraid that it is not working that well.

Shaheen Shah Afridi would have been my number 1 contender for the captaincy spot. He is a bowler and would be able to handle the pressure but injuries might hamper him as a captain.

Pakistan have already lost 5 wickets they are struggling to play spin. Both Sodhi and Bracewell have taken 2 wickets each. At this momentum Pakistan might lose this test match. 

Scenario has changed completely. Pakistan started the first session decently, but now they have lost 3 additional wickets. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel are at the crease now, with Agha Salman to come next. And after that the tail starts with Hasan Ali. Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell have picked up two wickets apiece, and Ajaz Patel has started his spell just now. 65 overs remaining in this match, and given the current circumstances it is going to be extremely difficult for Pakistan to save this match (unless bad light stops play).

[MusaPk]

Mohamad Rizwan is playing decently now, and I don't think that the PCB should ruin his career by overburdening him with additional responsibilities (the same thing that happened with Babar Azam). Let Sarfaraz Ahmed handle this responsibility for now, as he is more mature and experienced. I would have considered Shaheen Shah Afridi (once he is free from injury), but having a pace bowler as the captain is a bit extreme. Australia tried to do the same with Pat Cummins, and I am afraid that it is not working that well.

Shaheen Shah Afridi would have been my number 1 contender for the captaincy spot. He is a bowler and would be able to handle the pressure but injuries might hamper him as a captain.

Pakistan have already lost 5 wickets they are struggling to play spin. Both Sodhi and Bracewell have taken 2 wickets each. At this momentum Pakistan might lose this test match. 

Scenario has changed completely. Pakistan started the first session decently, but now they have lost 3 additional wickets. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel are at the crease now, with Agha Salman to come next. And after that the tail starts with Hasan Ali. Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell have picked up two wickets apiece, and Ajaz Patel has started his spell just now. 65 overs remaining in this match, and given the current circumstances it is going to be extremely difficult for Pakistan to save this match (unless bad light stops play).

In karachi there is no issue of light and I think its very much over for Pakistan. Sarfraz has scored three fifties in his last three test innings but it will difficult to chase 200 more runs with just 2 or 3 recognized batsmen. Saud is defensive while sarfraz is aggressive at the moment.

[onecall123]

Mohamad Rizwan is playing decently now, and I don't think that the PCB should ruin his career by overburdening him with additional responsibilities (the same thing that happened with Babar Azam). Let Sarfaraz Ahmed handle this responsibility for now, as he is more mature and experienced. I would have considered Shaheen Shah Afridi (once he is free from injury), but having a pace bowler as the captain is a bit extreme. Australia tried to do the same with Pat Cummins, and I am afraid that it is not working that well.

Shaheen Shah Afridi would have been my number 1 contender for the captaincy spot. He is a bowler and would be able to handle the pressure but injuries might hamper him as a captain.

Pakistan have already lost 5 wickets they are struggling to play spin. Both Sodhi and Bracewell have taken 2 wickets each. At this momentum Pakistan might lose this test match. 

Scenario has changed completely. Pakistan started the first session decently, but now they have lost 3 additional wickets. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel are at the crease now, with Agha Salman to come next. And after that the tail starts with Hasan Ali. Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell have picked up two wickets apiece, and Ajaz Patel has started his spell just now. 65 overs remaining in this match, and given the current circumstances it is going to be extremely difficult for Pakistan to save this match (unless bad light stops play).

In karachi there is no issue of light and I think its very much over for Pakistan. Sarfraz has scored three fifties in his last three test innings but it will difficult to chase 200 more runs with just 2 or 3 recognized batsmen. Saud is defensive while sarfraz is aggressive at the moment.

So far, Pakistan has lost its captain Babar Azam, as well as two other batsmen. It takes Pakistan 195 runs to win, but it takes New Zealand 5 wickets to win. It will be up to Sarfaraz and Saud whether Pakistan has hope or how long they will survive. Due to the lack of intent from Pakistani batters, the pressure could not be shifted to visitors. However, the host is feeling pressure at the moment.

[mm2543363580]

Mohamad Rizwan is playing decently now, and I don't think that the PCB should ruin his career by overburdening him with additional responsibilities (the same thing that happened with Babar Azam). Let Sarfaraz Ahmed handle this responsibility for now, as he is more mature and experienced. I would have considered Shaheen Shah Afridi (once he is free from injury), but having a pace bowler as the captain is a bit extreme. Australia tried to do the same with Pat Cummins, and I am afraid that it is not working that well.

Shaheen Shah Afridi would have been my number 1 contender for the captaincy spot. He is a bowler and would be able to handle the pressure but injuries might hamper him as a captain.

Pakistan have already lost 5 wickets they are struggling to play spin. Both Sodhi and Bracewell have taken 2 wickets each. At this momentum Pakistan might lose this test match. 

Scenario has changed completely. Pakistan started the first session decently, but now they have lost 3 additional wickets. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel are at the crease now, with Agha Salman to come next. And after that the tail starts with Hasan Ali. Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell have picked up two wickets apiece, and Ajaz Patel has started his spell just now. 65 overs remaining in this match, and given the current circumstances it is going to be extremely difficult for Pakistan to save this match (unless bad light stops play).

In karachi there is no issue of light and I think its very much over for Pakistan. Sarfraz has scored three fifties in his last three test innings but it will difficult to chase 200 more runs with just 2 or 3 recognized batsmen. Saud is defensive while sarfraz is aggressive at the moment.

So far, Pakistan has lost its captain Babar Azam, as well as two other batsmen. It takes Pakistan 195 runs to win, but it takes New Zealand 5 wickets to win. It will be up to Sarfaraz and Saud whether Pakistan has hope or how long they will survive. Due to the lack of intent from Pakistani batters, the pressure could not be shifted to visitors. However, the host is feeling pressure at the moment.

As expected Pakistani batting lineup couldn't stand on crease for long as they have already lost 5 wickets and Pakistan needs 195 runs to win the match.  SARFARAZ and Saud Shakeel are left hopes for Pakistan if they managed to stay and make runs then Pakistan can win this match . Otherwise this is a sure win for Newzealand.

[LDL]

As expected Pakistani batting lineup couldn't stand on crease for long as they have already lost 5 wickets and Pakistan needs 195 runs to win the match.  SARFARAZ and Saud Shakeel are left hopes for Pakistan if they managed to stay and make runs then Pakistan can win this match . Otherwise this is a sure win for Newzealand.

When Pakistan fell by two wickets for zero runs in the second innings, Pakistan's fate was sealed as Pakistan might lose the Test.  But at the end of the team Sharfaraz and Saud Shakeel are trying to take the team to a strong position.  If they can last 40 overs then the match will be a draw and if they can't last then Pakistan's defeat is sure.  But Pakistan is not playing with the target of victory, now Pakistan is only fighting to save the match i.e. to get a draw.

[WatChe]

When Pakistan fell by two wickets for zero runs in the second innings, Pakistan's fate was sealed as Pakistan might lose the Test.  But at the end of the team Sharfaraz and Saud Shakeel are trying to take the team to a strong position.  If they can last 40 overs then the match will be a draw and if they can't last then Pakistan's defeat is sure.  But Pakistan is not playing with the target of victory, now Pakistan is only fighting to save the match i.e. to get a draw.

All eyes on Sarfraz Ahmer and Saud Shakeel partnership that is 80 runs at the moment. Pakistan lost first 5 wickets for just 80 runs. 41 overs left for today's play and it seems very tough for Pakistan to save this game as New Zealand needs 2 wikcets to get tail out on the pitch. 4th consecutive 50 for Sarfraz Ahmed, hope he can save the match for Pakistan.

[BobK71]

When Pakistan fell by two wickets for zero runs in the second innings, Pakistan's fate was sealed as Pakistan might lose the Test.  But at the end of the team Sharfaraz and Saud Shakeel are trying to take the team to a strong position.  If they can last 40 overs then the match will be a draw and if they can't last then Pakistan's defeat is sure.  But Pakistan is not playing with the target of victory, now Pakistan is only fighting to save the match i.e. to get a draw.

All eyes on Sarfraz Ahmer and Saud Shakeel partnership that is 80 runs at the moment. Pakistan lost first 5 wickets for just 80 runs. 41 overs left for today's play and it seems very tough for Pakistan to save this game as New Zealand needs 2 wikcets to get tail out on the pitch. 4th consecutive 50 for Sarfraz Ahmed, hope he can save the match for Pakistan.

Pakistan has been surviving since the start of this match. According to the position Pakistan may try to draw the match rather than to win. Pakistan could not play up to the expectations with having reliable squad, they have to stay in wicket to keep the match at least draw. The game of 59 overs has just ended. At this time, Pakistan managed to score 176 runs. They do not care much about scoring runs at this time.

[mm2543363580]

When Pakistan fell by two wickets for zero runs in the second innings, Pakistan's fate was sealed as Pakistan might lose the Test.  But at the end of the team Sharfaraz and Saud Shakeel are trying to take the team to a strong position.  If they can last 40 overs then the match will be a draw and if they can't last then Pakistan's defeat is sure.  But Pakistan is not playing with the target of victory, now Pakistan is only fighting to save the match i.e. to get a draw.

All eyes on Sarfraz Ahmer and Saud Shakeel partnership that is 80 runs at the moment. Pakistan lost first 5 wickets for just 80 runs. 41 overs left for today's play and it seems very tough for Pakistan to save this game as New Zealand needs 2 wikcets to get tail out on the pitch. 4th consecutive 50 for Sarfraz Ahmed, hope he can save the match for Pakistan.

Pakistan has been surviving since the start of this match. According to the position Pakistan may try to draw the match rather than to win. Pakistan could not play up to the expectations with having reliable squad, they have to stay in wicket to keep the match at least draw. The game of 59 overs has just ended. At this time, Pakistan managed to score 176 runs. They do not care much about scoring runs at this time.

Saud shakeel is just standing kn pitch,  they are planning to end this match on draw rather than loosing .
Sarfaraz is making some runs , they have 140 runs left which is not that big if they try to make runs.

[WatChe]

Pakistan has been surviving since the start of this match. According to the position Pakistan may try to draw the match rather than to win. Pakistan could not play up to the expectations with having reliable squad, they have to stay in wicket to keep the match at least draw. The game of 59 overs has just ended. At this time, Pakistan managed to score 176 runs. They do not care much about scoring runs at this time.

125 runs needed in 25 overs, and I am sure Pakistan is looking to draw this game rather than going for it. Saud Shakeel has scored 27 runs on 139 balls and tells the story of Pakistan strategy. New Zealand know they only need to break this partnership, and the rest of the wickets will come easily. Time is running out for New Zealand.

[romero121]

Pakistan has been surviving since the start of this match. According to the position Pakistan may try to draw the match rather than to win. Pakistan could not play up to the expectations with having reliable squad, they have to stay in wicket to keep the match at least draw. The game of 59 overs has just ended. At this time, Pakistan managed to score 176 runs. They do not care much about scoring runs at this time.

125 runs needed in 25 overs, and I am sure Pakistan is looking to draw this game rather than going for it. Saud Shakeel has scored 27 runs on 139 balls and tells the story of Pakistan strategy. New Zealand know they only need to break this partnership, and the rest of the wickets will come easily. Time is running out for New Zealand.

As time keeps running the pressure is getting built on New Zealand, because mistakes can cause them loss the match. With four wickets in hand Pakistan need 77 runs in 17 overs. Sarfaraz Ahmed is in good form scoring 106* and Agha Salman at 15*. It looks like the match have taken a turn and come into the hands of Pakistan team. Breaking partnership will increase the chance for New Zealand, particularly Sarfaraz Ahmed's wicket is more important for now.

[LDL]

As time keeps running the pressure is getting built on New Zealand, because mistakes can cause them loss the match. With four wickets in hand Pakistan need 77 runs in 17 overs. Sarfaraz Ahmed is in good form scoring 106* and Agha Salman at 15*. It looks like the match have taken a turn and come into the hands of Pakistan team. Breaking partnership will increase the chance for New Zealand, particularly Sarfaraz Ahmed's wicket is more important for now.

The second Test is likely to be a draw as there are only 14 overs to go and Pakistan need just 58 runs to win but have 4 wickets in hand.  But even though there are 14 overs left in sight for now, it may not be possible to continue the match till the full over due to lack of light.  And if it can be continued then Pakistan must bat in ODI style to win the match.  On the other hand, New Zealand will have to take the match by 4 wickets very quickly.