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On Sunday, November 26, Pakistan and Zimbabwe will lock horns in the first ODI of a three-match series at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Both teams come into this contest with much to prove, and the venue’s playing conditions could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome.
Pakistan’s Form and Team Overview
After a historic ODI series win against Australia on their home soil, Pakistan, under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, is brimming with confidence. However, the team is without star players like Babar Azam, giving younger talents a chance to shine.
Key players to watch for Pakistan include:
- Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, who impressed against Australia.
- Kamran Ghulam and Agha Salman, tasked with anchoring the middle and lower-middle order.
- Haris Rauf, whose lethal pace remains a vital asset.
Zimbabwe’s Strategy and Key Players
Hosts Zimbabwe will rely heavily on senior players like Sikandar Raza and skipper Craig Ervine. Their recent performances at home have shown resilience, and they’ll look to leverage their local conditions against a relatively inexperienced Pakistan side.
Key Zimbabwe players to watch:
- Sikandar Raza, the team’s all-round stalwart.
- Richard Ngarava, a pacer known for exploiting early swing.
- Blessing Muzarabani, a consistent performer in home conditions.
Queens Sports Club Bulawayo Stats and Records
| Criteria | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 92 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 38 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 49 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 234 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 199 |
Pitch Report: Batting or Bowling Friendly?
The Queens Sports Club pitch is known for its dual nature:
- Morning Session:
- Early assistance for seamers with swing and movement, making it a testing time for batters.
- New ball bowlers will be crucial, especially during the first innings.
- Afternoon and Beyond:
- As the pitch dries under the sun, the conditions become more favorable for batting.
- Spinners will find some grip in the middle overs, while pacers may resort to cutters and variations with the old ball.
Toss Advantage
Teams winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first, aiming to exploit the early bowling-friendly conditions and chase under the sunlit batting paradise.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan
- Haris Rauf: The speedster is in red-hot form and could trouble Zimbabwe with his express pace.
- Saim Ayub: A consistent performer, Ayub’s stroke play will be vital at the top of the order.
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza: A complete all-rounder, Raza’s contributions with both bat and ball will determine Zimbabwe’s chances.
- Richard Ngarava: The left-arm pacer can exploit the early swing-friendly conditions and put Pakistan under pressure.
