T20 World Cup 2022: Match 24 - Predicted Zimbabwe Playing XI vs Pakistan

Match 24 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 will see Zimbabwe lock horns with Asian giants, Pakistan at the Perth Stadium in Australia. The Babar Azam-led Pakistan did not quite get off in the manner they would have hoped for and lost to India in their first match of the Super 12.

At one stage in the match, Pakistan had momentum, and it was their game to lose. Despite the ball being in their court, the heroics from Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya changed the momentum of the game completely and India won by four wickets.

After qualifying for the Super 12 stage, Zimbabwe had to face South Africa and were on course to concede the game. However, the rain gods saved them as the match eventually yielded no result and both teams shared one point each. Zimbabwe will feel lucky to have bagged the lone point in the match against the Proteas and will be eyeing their first win against Pakistan on Thursday.

Let’s look at Zimbabwe’s probable playing XI against Pakistan:

Openers: Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c)

Wicketkeeper-batter Regis Chakabva has endured too many dismal outings in the last few matches, including the First Round fixtures. Coming into the second match of their Super 12 campaign, Zimbabwe will require him to fire swiftly. However, his keeping skills have been decent for the side to bank on him behind the stumps.

His partner at the crease, skipper Craig Ervine relished some fine outings in the First Round. He too will need to hit the ground running as early as possible for the side to have an edge over the other teams.

Middle-order and All-rounders: Milton Shumba, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl

Milton Shumba came lower down the order in the match against the Proteas and was only able to register 18 off 20 balls at a strike rate of 90.00. Shumba needs to push himself and play some vital knocks to help his side attain big scores.

Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza both completely failed in their previous outing and managed to get just a run between them. Now, both can be crucial with the bat and the ball as they have displayed it in the First Round and throughout their careers. The match against Pakistan will be a tricky one but the duo will need to step up.

Madhevere and Ryan Burl are the other two all-rounders who are versatile and can change the complexion of the game at any given point. Burl is a part-time leg spinner who may not get a lot of turn in the Australian conditions but can deceive batters with changes in flight. Madhevere relished a decent time with the ball in the First Round against Scotland and can chip in with a good performance against Pakistan too.

Bowlers: Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava, bowled an over each and were hammered by Quinton de Kock in the game against South Africa. The duo leaked 40 runs in their two overs during the course of the match and didn't look threatening at all.

However, the side will now look to put up a show against Pakistan and use the Australian conditions to their advantage. Chatara is a tall fast bowler and can extract pace and movement off the deck, the side will bank on him to provide crucial breakthroughs.

Jongwe comes down the order with the bat but has the potential to provide his side a few boundaries. However, bowling being his main expertise he would hope to display a fine performance in the match against Pakistan.

Muzarabani has got pace that can be utilised well on the Australian pitches. However, the bowler will need to prove that he could be a lethal pace bowler for the side and the match against Pakistan will be the best time for him to show his skills.

Zimbabwe predicted XI against Pakistan:

Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

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