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Zimbabwe is set to host Pakistan for a 3-match ODI series followed by a 3-match T20I series, beginning soon at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Both teams have much to prove, with Zimbabwe struggling for consistency in recent years and Pakistan missing several key players.
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe has faced challenges in ODIs, losing 4 of their last 6 matches, with the others ending in no results. Their last ODI outing in January 2024 saw them lose 0-2 to Sri Lanka, and they endured a similar fate against Ireland at home in December 2023.
In the last 4 years, Zimbabwe has managed to win just 2 of their 6 home ODI series, signaling a difficult road ahead against a confident Pakistan side.
Key Players for Zimbabwe
- Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams: The trio will lead Zimbabwe’s batting efforts.
- Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngrava: Expected to spearhead the bowling attack.
- Brandon Mavuta: A dependable leg-spinner who will play a crucial role in restricting Pakistan’s batters.
- Tinotenda Maposa: An exciting uncapped batting all-rounder to watch out for.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan enters the series buoyed by an impressive showing in Australia under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, who will captain in the absence of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Rizwan has a solid mix of youth and experience to work with, and he will look to continue their winning momentum.
Key Players for Pakistan
- Mohammad Rizwan: A crucial player both as captain and with the bat, possibly at the pivotal No. 3 position.
- Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub: The opening duo is in red-hot form and will look to dominate Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
- Haris Rauf: Leading the pace attack, supported by Shahnawaz Dahani and Mohammad Hasnain.
- Tayyab Tahir: Could debut as Pakistan experiments with its middle-order combination.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Pitch: Batting-friendly, with an average first innings score of 251. Teams batting first have won 6 of the last 10 matches. A target of 300+ will be competitive.
- Weather: Overcast with a high of 27°C. Cloud cover is expected, offering some assistance to seamers early on.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, as setting a target has proven advantageous at this venue.
Predicted Playing XIs
Zimbabwe
Tadiwanashe Marumani, Craig Ervine (C), Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Clive Madande (WK), Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngrava, Brandon Mavuta, Faraz Akram
Pakistan
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Kamran Ghulam, Agha Salman, Irfan Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain
Match Prediction
Pakistan boasts a stronger squad with in-form players across departments, even in the absence of some key stars. Zimbabwe’s recent struggles, coupled with a lack of depth in their bowling attack, make them the underdogs.
Winning Prediction: Pakistan Will Win
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