Zimbabwe vs Pakistan: 4th ODI, Preview- Wretched Zimbabwe strain for pride against ruthless Pakistan

The first of the last two dead rubbers will be played tomorrow in Bulawayo.

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Pakistan Team
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Pakistan Team. (Photo Source: ICC)

Zimbabwean cricket is presently in dire straits owing to the tussle between the team management and its players over payment of fees and salaries. The vibe around their cricketing environment isn’t joyful by any stretch of the imagination, which can also be seen with their performance on the cricket pitch. Apart from being depleted, the team is also ridiculously short of confidence and self-belief.

After their disappointing campaign in the T20I series, which also involved Australia, they have slumped in the ongoing five-match ODI series against Pakistan. The fate of the series has already been sealed as the Men in Green took an unassailable 3-0 lead with their nine-wicket triumph in Bulawayo. The fourth contest will be played tomorrow and the home team would be desperate to halt their losing streak.

Pakistan, on the contrary, are in good stead and will aim to win their next match to maintain their domination over Hamilton Masakadza’s men. Their bowlers have been right on their mark and the batsmen backed them up with some astonishing knocks. Needless to say, the home team will need to play out of their skins to turn over their opponents at the Queens Sports Club.

Team Combination

Zimbabwe

The hosts are likely to make a few changes in their eleven. Peter Moor may come back to replace Prince Masvaure. All-rounder Elton Chigumbura may make way for Donald Tiripano. Fast-bowler Tendai Chatara may make his way in place of Richard Ngarava. The rest of the lineup remains more or less the same and Masakadza has a task on his hands to cease his team’s poor run of form.

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

Pakistan are also likely to make a few changes in their eleven. Mohammad Hafeez, who hasn’t played in the last three matches, may replace Shoaib Malik. Mohammad Nawaz could be roped in for Yasir Shah. Mohammad Amir may also be drafted in place of Junaid Khan. The team’s batting will again be the one to watch out for. Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed hasn’t done anything of sorts and he would be keen to perform as well.

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

Players to watch out for

Hamilton Masakadza- Zimbabwe

The right-handed batsman has strained in the limited-overs format and couldn’t perform in the T20I series. He notched a half-century in the second ODI but got out at a time when he was required to carry on and take his team to a respectable score. Prior to the next match, he not only has the responsibility to keep the morale of his players high but also improve his own performance.

Fakhar Zaman- Pakistan

The opener is presently the leading run-scorer of the series with 220 runs in three matches at an average of 220. He has been dismissed only once and the Zimbabweans have found it difficult to get under his skins. Moreover, he has scored the runs at a strike-rate of 98.65 and kept the scoreboard moving. He would be keen to replicate his form in the next match as well.

Head to Head

Matches Played – 57, Pakistan won – 50, Zimbabwe won – 4, Tied – 1, No Result – 2

Broadcast details

TV – PTV Sports (Pakistan)

Sony Six, Sony Six HD (India)

Live streaming– PTV Sports (Pakistan), Sony LIV (India)

Match Timings – 12.45 PM IST, 07:15 GMT

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