Five ways New Zealand can counter the Pakistan threat

#2 Dismantling Pakistan's middle order

Younis and Misbah will have to be shackled

If the middle order is New Zealand's weakness, it is Pakistan's strength. They have a perfect blend of experience and flamboyance in a power-packed middle order comprising Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Babar Azam and Sarfraz Ahmed.

It is a tough line-up to crack but as Windies showed in the final Test of the series, it is not an impossible task. Shafiq, Younis and Misbah are exceptional batsmen and love to keep the scoreboard ticking with singles and doubles coupled with the odd boundary. Denying them the quick singles will put a lot of pressure. But the Kiwis do not have a spinner who can do that job.

What they have are Neesham, Boult and Southee, three bowlers who can tie down batsmen with consistent lines. It is important to let the pressure build from both ends and it will be up to these three to ensure the middle order is kept largely quiet. They are brilliant players of spin and hence it would be wise to hold back a leggie like Astle for later.