Wellington, Dec 25: Pakistan will take a heavy psychological advantage into the second cricket Test against New Zealand starting tomorrow after wrecking the home side's batting in the first match at Hamilton. Mohammad Sami shook New Zealand's self-confidence when he scythed through their top and middle order, taking five for 44 before rain stalled the decline on 96 for eight. The match ended in a draw.
The imminent return of Shoaib Akhtar, who missed the Hamilton Test with a calf muscle strain, may only add to the psychological sway Pakistan hold over the Kiwis.
Akhtar, working in tandem with Sami, would be a formidable weapon for the tourists, who gained some mental leverage when they dismissed New Zealand for 73 in their last Test meeting. Bureau Report