Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd TEST

CONCLUSION

The weather turned to rain in Wellington, but not before Pakistan bowled out New Zealand for 263 and won this test to go level (the decider will begin in Napier on Friday 11th of December). Chasing 405 to win was never really on the cards, on a wicket where no one could get 100 and no team could get 275+. New Zealand effectively lost this game on DAY TWO when they were shot out for just 99. The media will focus on that disaster but I think allowing Pakistan to get from 161-6 to 264 was a problem too - the last 4 of their batsmen/tailenders scored more runs than all of New Zealand's 10!

If the first test will be remembered as a tight contest between two, talented if not polished, even teams then this one will go down as a race to the bottom in terms of skill. New Zealand's batting and Pakistan's fielding - the latter could have dismissed the opposition 3 times if catches were held. The first test was a perfect model for the game while the second was a nightmare - neither team can possibly be satisfied with how they performed (NZ in particular).
The captaincy of Yousuf was terrible as well - giving singles to a number 10 to get at the number 11! On the other hand Vettori's choice to bowl Elliot proved to be spot on and could have won the test if they had scored even 200 in the first innings

Unfortunately the third test will be played in Napier - a bowler's graveyard to match the most dry wicket in India or Pakistan - and a result may be hard to come by. Pakistan need to work on their fielding for about a week I would say while New Zealand have selection issues once again. Here are some ideas/points:

• Patel may be needed as a second spin option instead of Tuffey whose skills are better suited to greener wickets
• Elliot and Fulton NEED to go, neither are in any kind of form nor appear to have the right technique or will power for Test Cricket
• With two hundreds in his last two games, Neil Broom should debut at 5 and Vettori MUST rise to 6 - if just for this deciding game
• Tim Southee debuted with success at this ground and the temptation will be to bring him back at 8
• Flynn and Guptill should trade places

The emphasis should be on getting 20 wickets to win - the pitch should allow the batsmen to get runs (although 99 would leaves me with some doubt)

Well that's it from here and I hope you join me again
It's good bye for now