Zimbabwe vs. Pakistan 2021 : PAKISTAN STUNNED || 3rd T20I
Zimbabwe vs. Pakistan 2021
3rd T20I – Fri, 25th April
Poor Pakistan:
Pakistan was stunned by Zimbabwe in the last game. They were abysmal in their performance. Lost wickets in heaps and showed very little intent throughout the match. The series win against South Africa was all put to shame with the last game.
The Pakistani bowling line-up did a decent job of restricting Zimbabwe to a mere 118. Mohammad Hasnain and Arshad Iqbal were particularly impressive. However, the batting roster was a total let down. Skipper Babar Azam held the innings to a certain extent, but no other batsman showed support. Pakistan will need to come back stronger, and we might witness a few alterations in the squad.
Possible playing XI: Babar Azam (c), Mohd Rizwan (wk), Mohd Hafeez, Haider Ali, Danish Aziz, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Hasnain, Fakhar Zaman, Mohd Nawaz, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf.
Zealous Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe created history in the last game. Defeated one of the strongest T20I outfits in a low scoring thriller. Their opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was the top scorer with 34 runs to his name. They faired well while batting. Scoring a 119 on a tricky pitch against a top bowling side.
However, it was the gutsy bowling that won them the game. Luke Jongwe was the star player He picked up 4 wickets for mere 18 runs. They kept chipping wickets at regular periods and kept the pressure ticking. They surely deserve a lot of appreciation for this win. Zimbabwe will be poised to enter this game and should upset enough odds.
Possible playing XI: Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (wk), Sean Williams (c), Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava.
The venue, Pitch Report, and Toss Prediction:
As witnessed in the last game, the pitch is comprehensively on the slower side, making it tough for every batsman to get going. The batters need to spend enough time on the crease before going big. The bowlers as anticipated have exploited the conditions well. They will look to make good use of the seam movement and swing available early on. The spin bowlers will get enough purchase off the wicket making it an even contest between bat and ball.
Batting first on the wicket is the key as the pitch might get slower as the game progresses. Therefore, either side will want to bat first on winning the toss. 150-160 on this pitch will be a competitive total to defend.
Tops Value:
Despite the historic win, Pakistan is the sheer favourites entering into his game. Pakistan is at the pre-match odds of 1.18, whereas Zimbabwe is at 4.35. No wonder the gap between those odds has reduced meticulously but are sure enough to be unsettled soon if Zimbabwe fares well. Pakistan will be wary of the Zimbabwe bowling line-up, which changed the game dynamics completely.
