New Zealand have a chance to seal a first series win against Pakistan in more than 30 years in the second Test in Hamilton with the tourists without talisman Misbahul Haq.

The home side also suffered a blow on the eve of the second Test when bowling spearhead Trent Boult was ruled out on Thursday with a knee injury.

The seventh-ranked Black Caps go into the match which begins Friday 1-0 up in the two-Test series following a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over second-ranked Pakistan in the opening Test in Christchurch.

A win or draw in Hamilton will be enough for New Zealand to notch their first series win over Pakistan since 1985 and only their third ever in 22 series.

The last time they met six years ago in Hamilton, New Zealand lost their last eight wickets for 50 runs to be beaten by 10 wickets.

Wahab Riaz took three wickets in that onslaught and comes into contention for this Test.

Apart from the likely inclusion of Wahab, Pakistan were revealing little about the make-up of their side for a pitch that generally offers pace and reverse swing, with some turn as the match progresses.

New Zealand have spinner Mitchell Santner back in their squad after recovering from a wrist fracture while Dean Brownlie was recalled as cover for Ross Taylor after a growth was detected in his left eye.

However, late Wednesday the 77-Test veteran was cleared to play in Hamilton, although he will undergo surgery afterwards.