PAK vs ZIM: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Stats, Pitch Report and more for 1st T20I

The third ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was a better representation of what the visiting skipper Chamu Chibhabha wanted from his side – showing the belief that they can win. The closing game of the series summed up, quite nicely, the topsy-turvy series that the three-match affair was, indeed. In hindsight, Zimbabwe might think that the score-line of 2-1 might well have been in their favour, had they been slightly more careful. They made a mess of the chase in the first encounter, despite looking favourites at one point in time.

Whereas, in the second meeting, the visitors proved correct many of those who touted Pakistan to be the overwhelming favourites in the series, courtesy of the two team’s lopsided head to head record. However, coming after a morale-boosting victory in a thrilling Super Over face-off, they would be keen to open their account in T20I format – where the overall record favours Pakistan 11-0 – in the upcoming three-match T20I series.

“I think we can absolutely beat the bigger teams. We’re tired of competing and getting beaten. That’s no longer acceptable. It’s been way too long and the whole mental approach towards our game has completely changed,” stated the centurion Sean Williams after the win. It is heartening to see such intent – a virtue they have been guilty of lacking in plenty – in the Zimbabwean camp.

However, for Zimbabwe to leave an impression in the shorter format, a lot will rely on two batsmen, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams, who made hundreds each in ODIs, and pacer Blessing Muzarabani and spinner Tendai Chisoro. Incidentally, the former led the wickets chart with seven in the three encounters, including a five-wicket haul in the last game, whereas Chisoro made his presence felt after he picked a couple of wickets in each of the first two clashes.

For Pakistan, the upcoming series is an opportunity to stamp their authority once again, and anything lesser than a whitewash would be considered a failure. As has been the case in the ODI series, they will be keen to give opportunities to the young guns such as Abdullah Shafiq, Haider Ali, and Khushdil Shah.

Pitch and conditions

The track is expected to assist the pacers heavily. Given the 3:30 PM start, dew will not be a concern for either of the teams. The batsmen can expect a decent bounce and the ball to come onto the bat nicely and the temperature will hover between the mid-20s.

Playing combinations for PAK vs ZIM

Pakistan

Skipper Babar Azam was at his classy best in the ODI series and is coming after slamming a century. He will be on the opening duties alongside Fakhar Zaman, who did not feature in any of the three games. Their middle-order has a decent blend of experience and youth with youngsters Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, alongside Mohammad Hafeez. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf made the ball talk and they would want to continue in the same vein alongside the veteran pacer Wahab Riaz.

Probable XI- Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Khushdil Shah, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain/Haris Rauf

Zimbabwe

The top-order concerns for Zimbabwe sustain as neither Brian Chari nor Chamu Chibhabha managed to make their presence felt in the 50-over format. Though Craig Ervine played a good hand in the first ODI, he was unable to contribute in the matches that followed. Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, and Wesley Madhevere will form the middle-order, and the team would expect to get some contribution from Sikandar Raza.

Spinner Tendai Chisoro and pacer Blessing Muzarabani have been able to trouble the opponents well thus far, and Zimbabwe would rely on them heavily this time around as well.

Probable XI- Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha (C), Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (WK), Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chisoro, Carl Mumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

PAK vs ZIM Head to head

Played – 11 | Pakistan won – 11 | Zimbabwe won – 0

PAK vs ZIM Broadcast details

Match Timings- 4:00 PM (IST), 3:30 PM (Local).

Live Streaming– PCB’s official Youtube channel.