ZIM vs PAK, 3rd ODI Preview: Pakistan one win away from wrapping up the series

There's always scope for a miracle in sports and Zimbabwe has a great history in that aspect.

Published - 17 Jul 2018, 16:42 IST | Updated - 17 Jul 2018, 16:42 IST

2 Min Read

Coming into these series on a five-match losing streak, Pakistan didn’t show any signs of nerves and managed to annihilate the hosts comprehensively in the first two ODIs. Another win for the visitors will seal the 5-match series for them and for that to not happen, Zimbabwe has to come up with a herculean performance.

Pakistan currently have a compact side and they look strong in every department. In the bowling unit, they have players like Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan, who’ve been terrorizing batting lineups. Their batsmen too are doing a phenomenal job too, making them one of the contenders for the World Cup next year.

Zimbabwe should try and give their best shot at least in one department, either batting or bowling. In both the games, their batters and bowlers got hammered which eventually led to two defeats. It’s hard from their perspective to turn things around, but there’s always scope for a miracle in sports and Zimbabwe has a great history in that aspect.

Toss: Zimbabwe have won the toss and have opted to bat

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Chamu Chibhabha, Prince Masvaure, Hamilton Masakadza(c), Tarisai Musakanda, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Ryan Murray(w), Tendai Chisoro, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

Pakistan (Playing XI): Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed(w/c), Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Yasir Shah, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan

Playing Combinations

Zimbabwe

Once again, the onus will remain on the top three which comprises some decent names like Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha and the experienced Hamilton Masakadza. The likes of Tarisai Musakanda and Peter Moor will have a big role to play in the middle order as they don’t have many experienced players in those positions.

The bowling unit failed to pick up a single wicket and the only wicket they took in the second game was a runout. They clearly are out of confidence, but the likes of Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani are good enough to get a few wickets.

Pakistan

Sarfraz wouldn’t be interested to change a winning combination. 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.

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.

Players to watch out for

Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe)

When there’s no place to hide for the youngsters, they look up to their seniors for help. Hamilton Masakadza right now is the senior most player in the team and has to step up with the bat. He already demoted himself to an important number 3 position for the team’s betterment and if he can get a big score, Zimbabwe can make the visitors work hard for their prize.

Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

Fakhar Zaman is well on course to become the fastest ever to reach 1,000 runs in ODI cricket to surpass the great Sir Vivian Richards. His form off-late has been sublime and cricket seems easy when he gets going this way. He needs 273 runs in his next 4 innings to achieve that great record and certainly, all eyes will be on him when he comes out to bat on Wednesday.