Pakistan face stiff challenge against hosts

After New Zealand won the T20 series 2-1, they now face Pakistan in two-match Test series. The hosts will be extremely confident of continuing their fine form in the longest format of the game when two-match series kicks off at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from Saturday. They now face a Pakistan side with plenty of talent but somewhat weakened with Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq.  After a dominant Test series against the West Indies, the Black Caps pace bowler Tim Southee believes his side are in for a sterner test this week when they take on Pakistan. "I think the Pakistan side is a quality side. They have an exciting bowling attack, they offer different challenges to what the West Indies did," he said.