Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 4th ODI, Match Prediction – Who will win the match Pakistan or Zimbabwe

Pakistan will be looking to complete a clean sweep.

Published - 19 Jul 2018, 15:43 IST | Updated - 19 Jul 2018, 15:43 IST

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After securing an unassaiable 3-0 lead in the ODI series, Pakistan now can look at testing the bench as they go into the final two ODIs at Bulawayo. At the moment, it would seem as though the team is on a high, despite their seventh place ranking in the ODI rankings. However, against a side such as Zimbabwe, especially those who are missing their big-match players as well is an easier task than one can certainly imagine.

Going into the penultimate ODI, it is highly likely that Sarfraz Khan goes ahead with a similar squad with not too many changes to boast of. Mickey Arthur and his Pakistani outfit will be hoping to freeze the playing XI as the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup looms over the horizon. As far as Zimbabwe is concerned, this will certainly not be the bggest of the problems, somply because they will not be featuring in the World Cup next time around.

At the moment, everything surrounding the fourth ODI in Bulawayo points towards a Pakistani win.

Pitch

The wicket in Bulawayo has become slow and low with a lot being offered for the spinners. Having played three ODIs on the wicket already, it is quite clear that it would deteriorate and that is what many will be expecting. The weather is expected to be chilly, something that will assist the bowlers on the day as well.

Zimbabwe

With a rather depleted squad and having missed the likes of Brendan Taylor and Malcolm Waller, Hamilton Masakadza will continue as captain with asimilar side expected to be named. Blessing Muzarabani however, has been a revelation while the batting has failed time and again from the beginning of the tri-series with the batting not clicking.

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

Pakistan

Although the Pakistan side would expect little or no tweaking, it is clear that the bench strenght may well be tested. Mohammad Hafeez, who featured in the first ODI may play in the place of Shoaib Malik. The spin on the wicket might prompt Sarfraz to go ahead with Mohammad Nawaz in the place of Hasan Ali. Imam-ul-Haq’s century in the previous ODI may well see him secure his place in the side.

Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Asif Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed (C & wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan