Zimbabwe vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI Preview

Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – 3rd ODI Preview: After a close win in 2nd ODI, Zimbabwe now look on to put on their best in final ODI which could seal their first one-day series win over a Test playing nation other than Bangladesh for more than 14 years. At the same time Pakistan will be looking to come out all guns blazing after losing 2nd ODI which ended in a controversial manner. With both the sides aiming at series win, a tough clash is expected at Harare Sports Club on Monday.

Zimbabwe:

Zimbabwe need to do something special in final ODI. Despite of having their moments in numerous games in recent past against Top Cricketing nations, Zimbabwe failed to finish well. Even in their previous ODI series against New Zealand, they looked like winning the series after positioning themselves in chase in final ODI but went on to lose it as usually.

However, they will hoping their inform players Chamu Chibhabha, Tinashe Panyangara and Captain Elton Chigumbura to deliver for them. Zimbabwe will be desperate about their experienced opener Hamilton Masakadza to deliver at least in the final ODI and Brain Chari, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza to convert their starts.

Probable XI: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Brian Chari, Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura (C), Sikandar Raza, Richmond Mutumbami (WK), Tino Mutombodzi, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Panyangara, John Nyumbu.

Pakistan:

It scarcely seemed possible after their crushing defeat in the first ODI, but Zimbabwe will go into the third match focused on what could be their first one-day series win over a top 10 side other than Bangladesh for more than 14 years. To do that, though, they’ll have to fire on all cylinders against a Pakistan side who will feel that the momentum was on their side before the inclement weather tipped Saturday’s game in Zimbabwe’s favor.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have seen their top order’s consistent failure but their lower middle and their bowlers have kept them in the game. If Pakistan continue their same old story, their hopes will be relaying on Shoaib Malik’s all round performance, Yasir Shah and Wahab Riaz’s heroics and someone from lower to score big. Pakistan now have slipped to No. 9 in the ODI rankings following their defeat in 2nd ODI. If they had been No. 9 on October 1st, they would not have qualified for the Champions Trophy 2017. Despite of everything, Pakistan will be starting as favorites of the game.

Probable XI: Azhar Ali (C), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (W), Mohammad Rizwan, Imad Wasim, Aamer Yamin, Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan.

Recent games:

Zimbabwe: W, L, L, L, W.

Pakistan: L, W, L, W, W.

Pitch and conditions:

A similar one to the pitch which was used in the second ODI is likely to be seen in the final ODI as well which has a little grass left on the track helping spinners later and lets the ball come on to the bat making it a good cricket wicket. Weather is expected to be sunny and warm in morning and afternoon. Even though there is no rain in forecast, rainy season in Zimbabwe is unpredictable like on 2nd ODI.