Pakistan Search First Victory in ODI Series

Christchurch: For all New Zealand's troubles and an 11-match losing streak in one-day cricket on the subcontinent last year, few can argue they have not fashioned a top record at home in recent years.

The nine-wicket win against Pakistan in the first match last Saturday was their seventh successive victory at Wellington.

They then moved to Queenstown for the washed out second match where the hosts had a record of five wins from their past six matches.

The road show has hit Christchurch for tomorrow's third match and, you guessed it, another proud record will go on the line.

In the past 10 years New Zealand have won 12 of 15 completed matches here for an 80 per cent winning record, with losses only to Australia in 2005, and the West Indies and India in 2009.

"The guys enjoy coming here and Christchurch has certainly been a ground we've played well at in the past, although the different angles and things will make it a little more difficult as captain," New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor said today, referring to the recent ground changes.

The inner-city Christchurch ground has long been a batsman's surface, and with the building of a new stand here in 2009, the boundaries are even shorter than before.

Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder have blasted hundreds here in recent times while Indian master Sachin Tendulkar helped himself to 163 from 133 balls before retiring hurt in 2009, although team totals here over the past five years have been surprisingly erratic.

The past five matches have produced first-innings scores of 241 for nine by Bangladesh, 392 for four by India in a match which produced 726 runs, 152 for eight (28 overs) by New Zealand, 242 for seven by England and 112 all out by Sri Lanka.

Despite the inconsistency, New Zealand opener Jamie How predicts an old-fashioned belter and whoever win the toss to bat first.

Kane Williamson has shown the ability to handle pace and seam and he is a good fit in a team where the top order has shown a tendency to collapse. Williamson provides stability to this side.

Jamie How, the Central Districts batsman, will open for New Zealand and Luke Woodcock and Kane Williamson are likely to play.

Younis Khan is at his best when he stretches out on that front foot and laces his square-drives. You know then that everything is well in his world.

The mind is relaxed, the footwork is positive and he is constantly thinking about runs. On his bad days, he pokes and dabs, and the shot selection can go awry.

Teams from

New Zealand Ross Taylor (capt), Hamish Bennett, Martin Guptill, Jamie How, Brendon McCulllum (wk), Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock

Pakistan Shahid Afridi (capt), Misbah-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, Tanvir Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Younis Khan

Stats and trivia

• In the first ODI, Brendon McCullum became the third wicketkeeper to effect five or more dismissals, five times or more. The others are Adam Gilchrist (12) and Mark Boucher (8).
• Mohammad Hafeez's duck in the first game was his third against New Zealand. It's also the 14th by an Pakistan opener against New Zealand.
• Tim Southee's 5 for 33, his maiden five-for, in the first ODI are the best bowling figures by a New Zealand bowler against Pakistan.

Match facts
Saturday January 29, 2011 (day/night)
Start time 14:00 local (01:00 GMT)