Don't think Pakistan can be beaten easily - Gary Stead

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has stated that the Kiwis are not underestimating Pakistan on their home ground ahead of the two-match Test series.

The New Zealand squad trained at the National Bank Cricket Arena today after arriving in Karachi on Thursday.

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Stead stated that, despite Pakistan's recent whitewash against England in a three-match Test series in New Zealand, the Black Caps won't take the hosts lightly.

"I have watched the series against England very closely, and we've got a lot of footage on it as well. I think, whilst it was 3-0 to England, it was a very tight series, and times could've swung either way. So were are certainly not underestimating Pakistan at all, especially on their home ground," Stead said in a press conference.

The former cricketer indicated that spin will play a greater part than they were probably used to and that they also observed some indications of reverse swing at times.

The Black Caps last played a Test match in Karachi in 1990 and were defeated by 43 runs.

When asked if the Pakistan Test side can be beaten easily, he said: "I don't think Pakistan can be beaten easily. There are times in Test cricket when you get a rub of the green, and things go your way. I think maybe Pakistan haven't hit that recently. They've injuries to their key players."

However, he stated that the series will feature hard-fought Test matches, with the first encounter scheduled to take place in Karachi from December 26 to 30.

"I think there will be tight Test matches, which will be hard fought and maybe very close as well. It's always exciting for us when we've come to a new country as you gave to adapt fast, and that's what we will be trying to do," he added.

The second Test between the two teams will be held from January 3 to 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Following the conclusion of the Test series, the Black Caps will play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in Karachi from January 10 to 14.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead's press conference at the National Bank Cricket Arena.#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai https://t.co/IlzLd21C3d

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 23, 2022