Pakistan and Zimbabwe will play the last T20 of the series on 5th December at Bulawayo.
Match Preview:
Pakistan showed clinical performance against Zimbabwe in the second T20 of the series. The tourist side bundled out the home side for just 57 runs as Sufiyan Muqeem registered the best bowling figures for Pakistan in the shortest format of the game.
Abbas Afridi was clinical with the bowl as well taking 2 wickets for just 2 runs. Omair Bin Yousaf and Saim Ayub completed the given target in 5.3 overs, clinching the series in the most amazing way.
Moving to the 3rd T20, Pakistan has made some changes in their playing XI, as Arafat Minhas and Qasim Akram will play the last T20 of the game. With the series already secured, Pakistan’s management has chosen to experiment with a more inexperienced lineup.
Mohammad Hasnain will also mark his comeback in the team. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed are rested for the last T20 of the game, while Sahibzada Farhan will open the innings with Omair as Saim is rested too.
Talking about Zimbabwe it was yet another flop-show with the batting as the Chevrons cut the sorry figure; none of the batter could make it mark. The side was bundled out for 57, their lowest total in the shortest format of the game.
The side will be playing for pride as the series is already gone but they should work on their batting to make a statement. Besides Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl will have a key role to play.
Playing XI:
Pakistan (confirmed): Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Salman Ali Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain and Sufyan Muqeem.
Zimbabwe (probable): Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.
Pitch and weather report:
The Queens Sports Club pitch in Bulawayo promises to be a testing ground for fast bowlers, offering little swing or seam movement. To make an impact, they’ll need to nail the right length and employ clever cutters to keep batsmen on their toes. As the game progresses, spinners may find increasing purchase on the surface, potentially becoming a game-changing threat if they can generate turn and grip.
Historically, teams batting first on such pitches have enjoyed an advantage. Therefore, the captain winning the toss may opt to bat first, aiming to set a competitive target for their opponents.
Head-to-head record:
Zimbabwe and Pakistan have clashed 20 times, with Pakistan holding a commanding lead in their head-to-head encounters. The Pakistanis have triumphed 18 times, leaving Zimbabwe with just two victories.
Prediction:
Given their recent form and dominant head-to-head record, Pakistan are poised to enter the three-match T20I series as strong favorites, with a clean sweep of 3-0 a distinct possibility.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, PTV Sports, Geo Super, A Sports
India: FanCode App
Zimbabwe: ZBC TV
UK: Sky Sports Cricket
USA: Willow TV
South Africa: SuperSport
