ZIM vs PAK, 2nd ODI Preview: Wounded Zimbabwe aims to punch above its weight

If Pakistan can chip in another towering show, it'll get more difficult for the hosts to get back.

Published - 15 Jul 2018, 20:41 IST | Updated - 15 Jul 2018, 20:41 IST

3 Min Read

A clinical performance from the visitors Pakistan was enough to see-off a highly demoralized Zimbabwe, who lost the game by a whopping 201-run margin. Hamilton Masakadza and his men will now have a bigger task to handle as they aim to draw level terms in the 5-match ODI series.

The highly-scrutinized Imam-ul-Haq shut all the critics with a scintillating hundred, but he still has a long way to go to neutralize all the nepotism allegations. Pakistan on any day are a stronger unit than this Zimbabwean side and the result in the first ODI added made the stronger side even more confident.

Nevertheless, Zimbabwe has a history of coming back from such positions to register stunning wins, their spirit is so very high. If Pakistan can chip in another towering show, it’ll get more difficult for the hosts to get back. But if Zimbabwe can do something stunning, we will be up for something absolutely entertaining.

Playing Combinations

Zimbabwe

Skipper Hamilton Masakadza has demoted himself to an important number 3 position, which didn’t work well for the hosts. He might continue in that position once again with Chamu Chibhabha opening the innings. Musakanda, Peter Moor, and Ryan Murray will form the middle order and will have a crucial role to play.

The bowling unit got hammered to all parts, but Tendai Chatara was pretty decent with his 10 overs. Muzarabani started well but conceded too many runs in his last 4 overs. The likes of Tiripano and Liam Nicholas were slaughtered apart and would be eager to pull things back in the Monday’s game.

Predicted XI: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Chamu Chibhabha, Tendai Chatara, Wellington Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Donald Tiripano, Brian Chari, Peter Moor, Ryan Murray (wk), Blessing Muzarabani, Liam Nicholas Roche

Pakistan

Whilst Fakhar Zaman has been in terrific form off-late, Imam-ul-Haq getting some runs is a huge plus. Their main batting strength lies in the middle order with the experience of Shoaib Malik and the exuberance of Babar Azam. They might be playing Shadab as an all-rounder, which might prove to be a master-stroke.

Hasan Ali and Mohammad Amir in tandem are terrorizing batting line-ups with their pace and they have another decent seam bowling option in Faheem Ashraf. Shadab Khan will be their main spinner with part-time options like Shoaib Malik in the side. Usman Khan will be the other fast bowler for the day.

Predicted XI: Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Asif Ali, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali

Players to watch out for

Tendai Chatara (Zimbabwe)

He was the best player in Zimbabwe’s forgettable outing on Friday. Tendai Chatara hits the proper lengths on a consistent basis, which makes him a great asset for the side. He’s an orthodox fast bowler who doesn’t variate much, but he’s consistent with what he does best. It’ll be interesting to see how well he fares in the series.

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s batting future lies in the hands of Babar Azam and the youngster has time and again proven it. He’s probably the most technically correct player in the side. Azam didn’t get many runs in the first game, but once he gets going, he will be a force to reckon with.