Stead expects tougher contest in second Test

AFP - Two days after one of the most sensational wins in Test cricket, New Zealand are preparing in Dubai for the second Test against Pakistan with Coach Gary Stead expecting an even tougher contest.

New Zealand pulled off an extraordinary four-run win in Abu Dhabi on Monday as they defended a modest target of 176.

It was the fifth tightest win in terms of runs in the 141-year history of Test cricket.

The win was Stead’s first as Head Coach since he replaced Mike Hesson in August and he believes it will change Pakistan’s mindset ahead of the second Test which starts on Saturday (24).

“Pakistan are a good team, hard to beat over here,” said Stead. “That’s what makes this really, really pleasing. But they’ll be better for it, and if they were taking us lightly, they won’t be now.”

“I expect them to be better and I expect us to be better as well.”