Zimbabwe v Pakistan 2nd ODI preview: Zimbabwe desperate to overcome spin threat

Zimbabwe v Pakistan 2nd ODI preview: Zimbabwe desperate to overcome spin threat: The ODIs were expected to bring a change of fortune for the hosts but sadly they copped an even embarrassing defeat than the T20Is. After their bowlers showed some great control in the T20Is, the home team were hoping for the batsmen to step up and put up a good score in the 50 over format. But the Pakistani spinners were not ready to relent. Yasir Shah put up a great show as the hosts failed to deal with his variations and lost the first game by 131 runs. While they will have an uphill task of addressing the slide, Pakistan look set to seal the series in the second game itself.

Zimbabwe

The hosts did a solid job with the ball in the 2 T20I games  but with Pakistan fielding a host of explosive batsmen, it was always going to be tough for the Zimbabwe bowlers in the ODIs. Even when the likes of Shehzad and Hafeez aren’t clicking, the guys in the middle and lower order of visitors have the ability to pick up the slack, as they showed on Thursday.

They picked up crucial early wickets and despite Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz threatening to revive the Pakistan innings, Zimbabwe held their nerve. It was only in the last 10 overs that the game took a decisive turn. With Mohammad Rizwan and Imad Wasim in full flow the hosts conceded 88 runs which was always going to be too much. Panyangara was taken for a serious thrashing and will have to improve his death bowling skills. The off spinner Cremer also struggled to get any bite off the Harare surface which was assisting the tweakers.

Their batting was a sorry show. Ultra cautious attitude of the openers meant the middle order was under substantial pressure. The Zimbabwe batsmen must take responsibility and not throw their wickets away after getting in. Sean Williams is being left with too much to do and needs support from the rest. Attacking the spinners and pronounced use of feet could be a way forward. If they look to keep defending the visitors won’t mind a bit.

Pakistan

Shah, the leggie was simply on fire in the first match. He is putting his claim up as the number one ODI bowler for Pakistan after excelling in the Tests. Imad Wasim and Rizwan registered highest scores of 61 and 75 respectively to help Pakistan to a respectable total. The top order form will though be a concern after they have failed in all 3 games on the tour so far.

With the ball in hand, Pakistan dominated the hosts. None of the Zimbabwe batsmen managed to cross even 30, and the last five all scored in single digits. Yasir Shah stole the show with six wickets, giving up just 26 runs in nine overs, but all of Pakistan’s spinners impressed on Thursday.

The visitors didn’t look particularly impressive in two close Twenty20 wins over Zimbabwe, starting their trip to Africa on the wrong foot, but a big 131-run win will have the side buzzing ahead of the second of three ODIs.

The pitch in Harare is favouring the spinners and Pakistan are certainly well equipped to exploit these conditions. If the law of averages has its say the Pakistani batsman should also be putting up a big score on the board.

Heading into Saturday’s second ODI, Zimbabwe will be determined to avoid another blowout, but with the way Pakistan are taking advantage of the conditions in the country, it’s difficult to see how the hosts will come away with the win. Zimbabwe don’t have that kind of luxury and depth in their spin bowling resources like the visitors, and another lopsided show should be in store.

Probable XI:

Pakistan: Azhar Ali (c), Aamer Yamin, Ahmed Shehzad, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah,

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (c), Chamu Chibhabha, Graeme Cremer, Luke Jongwe, Hamilton Masakdza, Richmond Mutumbami, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, BB Chari