Zimbabwe v Pakistan 1st ODI preview: Zimbabwe hope for batsmen to step up in ODIs

Zimbabwe v Pakistan 1st ODI preview: Zimbabwe hope for batsmen to step up in ODIs: This was a great opportunity for Zimbabwe to prove their detractors wrong. But it hasn’t transpired like that at all. Despite restricting a formidable Pakistan batting line up to low totals in both games Zimbabwe failed to chase and eventually lost the T20I series 2-0. Their bowling was outstanding and the batting dismal. That is how contrasting the two departments have been for the home side. The focus now shifts to the ODIs and Pakistan won’t be an easy proposition here as well. The home team will have to quickly address their batting woes or the results could be even more one-sided in the 50 over format.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe last hosted a series of three limited over games against New Zealand and surrendered that by 1-2. They showed plenty of promise but were guilty of the same old habit of lacking the killer blow. The hosts will, first of all, have to address their weakness against the Pakistani spinners. Blocking and then going for a big shot is not a solution.They should rather concentrate on the rotation of strike.

Masakadza and Chamu Chibhabha, who has also displayed his bowling prowess too, were on song against the Kiwis and will be expected to lift the hosts batting with worthy knocks. Skipper Elton Chigumbura and new inclusion Mutumbami are due for big runs. Sean Williams is a fine all-rounder but is being left with too much to do.

Zimbabwe need to come up with better performances against the men in green and give the home crowd something to cheer. The first ODI will be an opportunity to set things rolling. The visitors will, however, be looking for another dominating show.

Pakistan

Having defended paltry totals of 136 in both the T20Is Pakistan are brimming with confidence. They will be pretty relaxed and ready to shine in the ODIs as well. The last 3 months have been amazing for Pakistan Cricket as they won an away series in Sri Lanka in all the formats. While the Lankans competed in the Tests, the ODIs were pretty much a one-sided affair. Under the new captain Azhar Ali, the side is showing signs of consistency, a term usually not associated with Pakistani players.

The tourists have dominated the Chevrons in each of their encounters this year. Having toured Pakistan in May in what was a return of international cricket to the country, Zimbabwe failed to win any of the 4 completed matches.

Earlier the current series was to be a tri-nation affair with West Indies included as well. But the PCB were reluctant to participate in any ODI before the 30^th of September in view of their qualification for the Champions trophy 2017 in England. So instead PCB offered 2 T20Is at the end of September and 3 one day matches in the first week of October.

The side has plenty of good limited over performers. Ahmed Shehzad will be eager to contribute after going through a rough run recently. Asad Shafiq, a brilliant Test performer in recent times will look to cement his place in the ODI side as well.

The two Shoaibs, Malik and Maqsood will have added responsibility in the absence of Misbah and Younis whose ODI careers are all but over. Sarfaraz Ahmed has made a name for himself courtesy frequent blitz with the willow and good work behind the wickets. The batsmen will look to rectify their mistakes from the T20Is and put up substantial totals.

Imad Wasim the hero of Pakistan’s inaugural T20I win will love to bowl again on the Harare surface which is taking prodigious turn these days. Yasir Shah, who didn’t play the T20Is will also be in action.

Head to head

Zimbabwe and Pakistan have played 51 ODIs prior to the upcoming series where the latter has grasped 45 and lost 3.

Probable XI:

Pakistan: Azhar Ali (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan.

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (c), Sikandar Raza, Chamu Chibhabha, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Hamilton Masakadza, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Tinashe Panyangara, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams.