Batting gives New Zealand slight edge

This one isn't a top-of-the-table clash, but the two-Test series between New Zealand and Pakistan is a crucial one for the two teams, who have struggled in Test cricket over the last couple of years. Along with West Indies and Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand have been the poorest teams, with extremely high negative differences between their batting and bowling averages. While New Zealand's batting average of 31.47 is much higher than Pakistan's 26.40, their bowling average of 44.34 is only marginally better than that of West Indies and Bangladesh.

Since the last series between Pakistan and New Zealand in 2009, the fortunes of both teams have gone downhill. That series was a close affair, with New Zealand winning by 32 runs in Dunedin and Pakistan fighting back to win by 141 runs in Wellington to level the series. Pakistan lost all three Tests in Australia and seven out of their next 11 Tests, with their two wins coming against Australia at Headingley and England at The Oval. They can, however, take heart from their much-improved batting display in the two drawn Tests against South Africa in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

New Zealand, on the other hand, went down 2-0 to Australia and later in 2010, lost the third Test against India to lose the series 1-0. Their solitary win in 2010 came at home against Bangladesh, but their fighting performance in the Tests in India was a positive sign.

In head-to-head contests over the years, Pakistan have proved to be the superior team both home and away. While Pakistan have been extremely dominant at home, their record in Tests in New Zealand is also quite good. However, in matches in New Zealand since the start of 2000, the gap between the two teams is not too wide, with Pakistan winning three matches to New Zealand's two.

The two Tests in the series will be played in Wellington and Hamilton, which have hosted the most Tests in New Zealand since 2000. However, in the last five years New Zealand's records at these two venues have not been that good. They have won two and lost four Tests in Wellington while they've won and lost two Tests each in Hamilton. Wellington has been a better venue for bowlers over the last five years - the average runs per wicket here is 26.53, compared to 36.36 in Hamilton. While pace bowlers have picked up 183 wickets at an average of just over 28 at Wellington since January 2006, spinners have picked up 51 wickets at just over 30. Hamilton, though, has been less productive for both pace bowlers and spinners. They average 36.22 and 39.80 respectively.

Despite the 1-0 loss, New Zealand performed quite creditably in the recent three Test series in India. Jesse Ryder, who missed quite a few matches due to injuries, has been their most reliable batsman in the last two years. Brendon McCullum, who scored three centuries since November 2009 including a double-century against India, could be the key to New Zealand's chances along with the aggressive Ross Taylor, who made an attacking 138 against Australia earlier in 2010.

Pakistan's depleted squad will rely heavily on the batting of Umar Akmal, who made a superb century on debut against New Zealand at Dunedin in 2010. Azhar Ali, who made an unbeaten 92 in Pakistan's solitary win over England, followed up the performance with three half centuries in the two Tests against South Africa. Misbah-ul-Haq, the captain, and Younis Khan, who returned to the Test side with a century against South Africa, will lend experience to an otherwise raw middle order.

Daniel Vettori, the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand since November 2009, and Chris Martin, who bowled superbly against India in the recent series, could be crucial for New Zealand in the upcoming contest. Brent Arnel and Tim Southee lack experience, but will look to produce improved performances against the fragile Pakistan batting line-up.

Pakistan will miss the services of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, who together picked up 100 wickets since November 2009. Asif was superb in New Zealand, picking up 19 wickets in the three-match series. Amir on the other hand, was impressive in England, with 30 wickets in six Tests. Saeed Ajmal, the offspinner, is in the squad, but he too may miss the Test to attend his father's funeral. In their absence, Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz will lead the attack. Pakistan, though can take confidence from the fact that they have picked up 117 wickets in 8 Tests in New Zealand since 2000, which is second only to Australia.