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Opinion: Zimbabwe show fight any top team would be proud of

Charbel Coorey
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22 Tests in a row…

22 Tests in a row finished with a decisive result (win for one team, loss for the other), and Zimbabwe’s draw with West Indies in Bulawayo ended this run.

To be honest, it was a fantastic way to see the run of results end.

How good was it to see grit and determination? In this day and age of T20 cricket, you don’t see it very often. Yes they had luck, but Zimbabwe showed the fight, courage and desire that teams like India, South Africa, England and Australia would have been really proud of. Struggling at 46/4 in their 2nd innings, and still trailing by 76, Zimbabwe put together one of the finest reguard actions you’ll see.

It would have been easy for Zimbabwe to make the excuse of: “oh, we’re 1-0 down in the series, so we’ll just play big shots, and try get quick runs. We’ll hope for the best”. Survival in this game is far more important for Zimbabwe’s development than taking the easy way out making excuses. For Zimbabwe to truly progress in world cricket, they need to get into good habits first.

Despite the fact they’ve lost the series, I believe Zimbabwe have learnt so much. An example was Sikandar Raza – he threw his wicket away badly in the first Test, and learnt from his mistakes and had an incredible second Test. Zimbabwe’s effort was superb to see.

For West Indies, they would feel disappointed to not win the game from the position they were in. They huffed and puffed, threw everything at their opponents and left feeling a little underwhelmed. However, a 1-0 win in a series that looked very tricky on paper is a decent result.

Can West Indies compete in New Zealand in a month’s time? Recent performances in England and Zimbabwe say yes. However, time will tell.

Stats & Facts

In this game, there were great performances from both teams. The best of the lot was Sikandar Raza’s effort – a truly world class all-round performance.

Twin 80s and a five-for


Sikandar Raza had a match that any all-rounder in history would have been proud of. He became the second player in Test history, after Jacques Kallis, to score successive 80s and take a five-for.

Even better was that in each innings, Sikandar came in with Zimbabwe under pressure. This was especially the case in the second innings. Walking in at 46/4 and staring down the barrel of an innings defeat, Sikandar Raza faced 203 balls for his gutsy 89, and helped Zimbabwe save the game.

In total, he faced 350 balls across two innings, and bowled 48 overs for his 5/99. What a performance.

Record-breaking partnership for the 8th wicket


The 212 run partnership between Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder is the highest ever for the 8th wicket for West Indies. In addition, it is the 9th highest in Test history. A fine effort.

For Shane Dowrich, it was his first ever hundred. West Indies were 230/7, still trailing Zimbabwe by 94 in the first innings, and ended up with 448. This is the first time in 109 years that two batsmen have scored Test centuries from no. 8 and lower.

1st Test series win


This was West Indies’ first ever Test series win under captain Jason Holder.

48.4 overs


The length of time Regis Chakabva batted to help save the game.

Regis Chakabva soaked up 192 balls for his 71. Graeme Cremer, despite having luck, also showed great fight, playing out 150 balls for his 28.

Milestone for Devendra Bishoo


Devendra Bishoo sent down 69 overs in the Test, and along the way picked up his 100 Test wicket.

16-year wait


In 2001, Hamilton Mazakadza scored a hundred on debut against the West Indies. 16 years later, he scored his second hundred against the men from the Caribbean, and his first in Tests since 2014.

A competitive series comes to an end, and I feel both teams will be better for the experience. West Indies go to New Zealand next, and Zimbabwe to South Africa. They’ll both be hoping for competitive performances.

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1st T20I Stats Highlights – India v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey
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New Zealand arrived in Delhi as the no.1 ranked T20I team in world cricket. A few hours later, they leave asking themselves “what on earth just happened?”

India shrugged off the fact that they were playing the best team in the world according to the rankings, and delivered an absolute thrashing. Like a boxer who has been knocked to the ground, New Zealand have to find someway to pick themselves up. This probably has to start with their fielding, which was awful. Three dropped catches against India in India is just not on.

Credit to India, they were irresistable and sent off Ashish Nehra as a winner in his final game. Here are some great stats and facts from the 1st T20I:

First win over New Zealand


Had you watched this game not knowing the previous head-to-head record between these two sides, you would have been forgiven for thinking that India had beaten New Zealand many times before in T20I cricket.
Surprisingly, India finally registered a win in T20I cricket, after five losses previously.

Records galore for Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan

Nohit Sharma? I don’t think so. Shikhar theONE? Yes.
Rohit and Shikhar were brilliant on their way to helping India post a massive total.

160 vs 149


If it wasn’t bad enough already for New Zealand, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan actually outscored the entire New Zealand team 160 to 149.

What a dominant way to deal with the world’s number one team.

Struggle of New Zealand’s “big four”

Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham were supposed to be India’s biggest threats.
Instead, the four only managed a total of 78 runs at a strike rate of just 102.63. 
When you need 10 an over from the outset, this just isn’t enough from your main players.

Trent Boult’s tough day

Since his heroics in the 1st ODI, Trent Boult has found things a little difficult.
In this game, Trent Boult conceded his highest total in a single T20I (49), after his most expensive outing in the 3rd ODI (81).

80 vs 60


Shikhar Dhawan’s score in this game vs the combined score of his last seven T20I innings.

Unbelievable stuff. As they say, form is temporary, class is permanent.

A first for everything…

This match was the first time New Zealand didn’t take a wicket in the first 10 overs when bowling first. A tough night out.

Hardik Pandya…

A good day for India, but another tough day for Hardik Pandya, making a duck and conceding 11 of his only over, despite taking a wicket.
In 22 T20Is, Hardik Pandya averages just 10.41 with the bat, and has an economy rate of 8.03 runs per over with the ball. These are not figures reflective of his talent.
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So then, a comfortable victory for India. New Zealand really have to prove to everyone that they deserve their ranking, and face a tough test again in the 2nd T20I on Saturday in Rajkot.
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1st T20I Preview: India v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey
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So just like that, we move onto the T20Is after a pretty awesome ODI series, and India will farewell a fine servant in Ashish Nehra.

What I like about the upcoming series is that New Zealand are here to prove that they deserve to be the number 1 ranked team in T20I cricket.

Is there a tougher place in the world to prove that than in India? I don’t think so. If New Zealand win in India, lock them in as the real deal.

There are so many things to look forward to in this 1st T20I…

The beautiful touch of Rohit Sharma, the wonderful but powerful elegance of Virat Kohli and the best death bowler in the world right now, Jasprit Bumrah. India will also be desperate to send out Ashish Nehra on a high.

New Zealand boast terrific talent too… The power and proven class of Martin Guptill, the world class Kane Williamson, who was back in the runs in the 3rd ODI, and the talented New Zealand spinners, who had an amazing outing the last time they played a T20I in India.

India will want to continue their winning momentum since the Champions Trophy, while New Zealand will be out to avenge the close ODI series loss, and prove their performance wasn’t a fluke.

It all makes for a fascinating contest.

Key to an India win


Death bowling.
Jasprit Bumrah, who was really unlucky not to get Man of the Match, got his team home in the 3rd ODI with brilliant bowling at the death. His 3/47 in a high scoring match shows that he deserves the no. 3 ODI bowling ranking, and he’ll want to transfer that form to the T20I format.
India’s batting also holds the key for them, but with good death bowling, there’ll be less pressure on the batsmen.

Key to a New Zealand win

Everything needs to click for New Zealand to win in India, but the performance of their top 5 holds key.
The statistics say that teams who lose three or more wickets inside the first six overs go on to lose approximately 80% of the time. New Zealand must avoid this – they need to use their firepower to cause India headaches.
Colin Munro hit form with a strong 62-ball 75 in the 3rd ODI, Kane Williamson hit 64, Tom Latham had a superb ODI series, and Ross Taylor was in the runs, too. The missing piece of the puzzle is Martin Guptill, who New Zealand need a good score from.

Who needs to step up?

For India, it’s Hardik Pandya. His statistics, which you’ll see below, are not representative of his talent. His time to stand up is now.
For New Zealand, it’s Martin Guptill. He had a quiet ODI series, and New Zealand will need him to step up if they are to win.

Predicted lineups:
For India, do they stick with the same lineup that delivered their seventh straight ODI series win? Will loyalty be shown to Manish Pandey? Ashish Nehra will play his final game in front of his home crowd.
India: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli (c), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Kedar Yadhav, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Ashish Nehra
For New Zealand, I expect to see Henry Nicholls replaced with Glenn Phillips. It will also be interesting to see the role Tom Latham plays in the T20I format and also whether New Zealand want to go with an extra spinner, depending on the conditions.
New Zealand: 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (c), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi/Adam Milne, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult


Stats & Facts:


  • If India win the series 3-0, they will move up to second place in the rankings. New Zealand would move from first to fifth.
  • New Zealand have never lost a T20I v India (5 wins)
  • Martin Guptill has scored five fifties in his last ten T20I innings.
  • Virat Kohli is 38 runs away from replacing Tillakaratne Dilshan as the second highest T20I run scorer. His average of 52.91 is easily the best among the top 50 run scorers in the format.
  • Pressure on Hardik Pandya? In 21 T20Is, Hardik averages 11 with the bat, and concedes nearly 8 an over with the ball. He is considered a very talented cricketer, but his numbers don’t show that in T20I cricket. He needs to deliver.
  • The last time New Zealand played in India in a T20I was in the 2016 World T20, where they skittled India out for 79. Mitchell Santner took 4/11, and Ish Sodhi 3/18 on an unforgettable night for the New Zealand spinners.
  • Ashish Nehra will finish with 164 internationals for India – a fine servant.

Prediction


New Zealand put on a wonderful show in the ODI series, and they’ll be competitive again.
India on their own turf, though, led by the incredible Virat Kohli (who is the highest run-getter in all formats this year) will be a tough ask. India will send out Ashish Nehra with a win, but by a small margin.

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Review – a beautiful night in Lahore, Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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How beautiful was it to see cricket in Pakistan? The packed stands, the great atmosphere and the wonderful display from the Pakistan team.

It was a different country, but same old problem for Sri Lanka, who simply don’t remember how to win a limited overs match.

Here are my highlights from a memorable night in Lahore:

16 in a row

Sri Lanka have now lost 16 limited-overs matches in a row.
Since they beat Zimbabwe in the 3rd ODI of their 5 match series at home, Sri Lanka lost the last two matches of that series, five ODIs & a T20I v India, and five ODIs & three T20Is vs Pakistan.
A nightmare run.

Shoaib Malik joins Umar Akmal & Shahid Afridi…

Hammad Ahmad on Twitter (@dot07HS) is your place for awesome statistics on our wonderful game.
For the second time in his career, Shoaib Malik achieved an innings of 40+ at a strike rate of 200+. Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal are the only other two Pakistan players to do this.

One point off New Zealand…

With the 3-0 clean sweep, Pakistan moved to within 1 point of first placed New Zealand.
If New Zealand lose the upcoming T20I series in India, Pakistan can take top spot.

4/13 on home debut

Mohammad Amir was simply brilliant. 
This was his first ever international match in Pakistan, after making his debut in 2009. It was worth the wait, achieving the best figures at the Gaddafi Stadium in T20Is.
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2nd T20I: South Africa v Bangladesh – stats highlights

Charbel Coorey
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As a fan who loves a contest, surely I’m not the only one who’s glad Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa is over.

However, some of South Africa’s achievements were so incredible that I couldn’t help talk about. Bangladesh, after entering South Africa full of hope, exit the country wondering what on earth happened over the last month or so.
The series was full of extraordinary numbers, and here are some of my favourites:

10 balls

Difference in balls between David Miller’s hundred and Richard Levi’s previous record. After a scratchy start, where he could have been out three times in the first 10 minutes of his innings, ‘killer’ Miller went absolutely crazy, doing what every South African has done in the series so far – show Bangladesh no mercy.

12 balls


The number of deliveries it took for Miller to go from 51 to 100. He was particularly harsh on Mohammad Saifuddin, who went for 31 in the penultimate over of the innings. The first five balls went for sixes.

Hundred from lower than no. 4

The records don’t stop there for David Miller. 
Miller became the first batsman ever in T20Is to score a century from a batting position lower than no.4. He broke Corey Anderson’s record of 94, which was set earlier this year, also against Bangladesh.

7-0

South Africa’s dominance over Bangladesh across three formats this series. In over a month of cricket, only one time did I think Bangladesh could win a game – during their chase in the first T20I.

2,739 runs at an average of 83 runs per wicket

South Africa’s batting statistics across the Tests, ODIs and T20Is. 
Not once were South Africa worried about Bangladesh’s bowling, and more importantly, all of their key batsmen have had good hit outs ahead of more challenging series.
Hashim Amla, one batsman who had a great time v Bangladesh, scored 580 runs across the three formats at an average of 96.67.

224

The most runs conceded by Bangladesh in a T20I.
Can’t remember the last time Bangladesh struggled this much with the ball on a tour. Lots of work to do for Courtney Walsh and co.

5.50

Shakib Al Hasan’s economy rate in 4 overs (2/22).
The rest of his teammates conceded 202 runs in 16 overs.
8 straight


After their historic win over Australia in Dhaka in August, Bangladesh have now lost eight straight international matches.
This is their worst run of losses since 2014, where they lost nine matches in a row across all formats in February-March.
South Africa’s dominance was there for everyone to see. They were simply too good for Bangladesh. The Tigers have some soul searching to do, with their next series against struggling Sri Lanka at home in early 2018. South Africa’s summer is only going to get bigger, with Zimbabwe, India and Australia all touring.

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Stats highlights from India’s thrilling win over New Zealand (3rd ODI)

Charbel Coorey
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What a fantastic way to end a fantastic little ODI series…

New Zealand pushed India all the way, thanks to a fantastic effort from their top and middle order.

Those middle order issues that we saw in Champions Trophy seem to be gone for New Zealand. For India, once again their batsmen stepped up when they needed to most, and the performance of Jasprit Bumrah will be remembered for a long time indeed. He has a big future, that’s for sure.

Here are the stats highlights of India’s thrilling series-clinching victory over New Zealand:

Fastest to 9,000 ODI runs 

Virat Kohli did the usual – score an ODI century, en route to becoming the quickest to the 9,000 run mark in ODIs. By the end of his career, he might very well be considered the greatest ODI batsman ever.

India’s best ever run in bilateral ODI series

India have now won 7 straight ODI series, dating back to the series against Zimbabwe last year.
This is their best ever run when it comes to consecutive bilateral ODI series wins. Their previous best was six straight between 2007-2009. This is brilliant from the men in blue.

Second fastest to 50 ODI wickets for India

Jasprit Bumrah, who in my opinion was unlucky not to get Man of the Match, became the second fastest Indian to 50 ODI wickets, achieving the feat in just 28 matches.

Second fastest to 150 sixes in ODIs

Rohit Sharma, during his fantastic hundred, was the second fastest to 150 sixes in ODI history, after Shahid Afridi.

Fourth-time unlucky for New Zealand

This was the fourth time New Zealand played a series decider in India, and have lost on all four occasions (1995, 1999, 2016, 2017)
8th fastest to 15 ODI centuries

Rohit Sharma became the 8th quickest player to reach 15 ODI centuries (165 innings).
A special series, full of awesome records, has come to an end. Looking forward to the T20I series, where New Zealand will be out to maintain their first placed ranking.

It’s beautiful seeing international cricket in Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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Tonight, it’s not only about Pakistan’s opportunity to clean sweep the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Tonight, it’s not only about Pakistan’s chance to move within one ranking point of first placed New Zealand.
Tonight, it’s not only about cricket.
Tonight is about new hope.
International Cricket returns to Pakistan in the third T20I v Sri Lanka, and it’s so amazing to see.
Just imagining all the passionate Pakistan fans flocking the gates at the Lahore Cricket Stadium to catch a glimpse of their heroes who have made them so proud is so beautiful.
Cricket brings us all together.
These fans would have spent hours watching their heroes on television doing amazing things over the last couple of years
Reaching no. 1 in the Test rankings, winning the Champions Trophy, and achieving 9 straight ODI wins.
From seeing their stars on television to watching them in the flesh. It’s a great change. It’s a beautiful night in the making.
What this occasion represents is hope. Hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for Pakistan fans, who are so incredibly deprived of what I, as an Australian, can often take for granted. The chance to come together as one and celebrate cricket in Pakistan. The chance to cheer on their beloved heroes. The chance to escape from the challenges of everyday life, enjoying something they love.
For me, it’s especially about the young kids, wanting to become the next Mohammad Amir or Hasan Ali. Seeing their stars in real life will continue to drive that passion in their hearts for the game of cricket, and for their country, Pakistan. How brilliant is that.
I’m incredibly looking forward to seeing a full crowd in Lahore, and am hoping that this is the beginning of more cricket in Pakistan. More hope. A getaway from the challenges of everyday life, thanks to a beautiful sport that brings us all together.
Good luck to Pakistan, from an Australian.

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2nd Test Preview: Zimbabwe v West Indies

Charbel Coorey
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The first Test represented missed opportunity for Zimbabwe. 

There is absolutely no doubt they can’t wait for the 2nd Test to begin, so they can make things right. In Bulawayo, it was one bad day that cost them the Test, getting bowled out for 159, after sitting pretty at 91/1, in response to bowling the West Indies out for just 219 on day one.
The big question will be whether Zimbabwe can learn from their mistakes, and ensure that they practice good shot selection for long periods of time. Test Matches can’t be won in a day, but they can sure be lost in that same amount of time, as Zimbabwe found out.
For the West Indies, they will be really pleased with their performance. Coming to Zimbabwe, the key for them is building on the progress they made in England, and they played the patience game a lot better than Zimbabwe. Ultimately, that was the difference between the two sides.
What I’m wondering is how well the West Indies can back their first effort up. Jason Holder speaks about consistency, and if the Windies are to make strides in International Cricket, this is a game they need to win.

Key to a Zimbabwe win

Before the first Test, I spoke about Zimbabwe’s need to play from in front to win. Unfortunately, even though Zimbabwe held their own really well for most of the Test, that poor second day was extremely costly. As a result, they fell behind in the match and were never able to recover.
The talent is there for Zimbabwe, but the key is maintaining good discipline with both bat and ball for longer periods of time.

Key to a West Indies win

Win the patience game.
This helped the West Indies win the first Test, and they have the ability to do it again. Shai Hope, Kraigg Brathwaite and Raston Chase will be looking to build on their runs, and the bowlers, led by Devendra Bishoo will be looking to weigh Zimbabwe down again.

Stats & Facts:

  • Shai Hope before the England tour had 372 runs at an average of 19.58. Since then, he has scored 509 runs at an average 84.83
  • Devendra Bishoo needs two wickets to reach 100 Test wickets.
  • Brendan Taylor has scored 453 runs in six Tests at Bulawayo


Prediction

I can see a different result in this game. Zimbabwe showed enough in the last game to suggest that if they can learn from their mistakes, they can certainly win.
Zimbabwe to level the series in a tight game.

3rd ODI Preview: India look to keep their ODI run going

Charbel Coorey
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The decider, which I must say I didn’t expect before the series began, is here.

Both teams have traded 6-wicket wins in the opening two ODIs, but after seeing how the 2nd ODI panned out, it seems New Zealand are more up against the wall than India.

India’s bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, were irresistible. It was a masterclass in keeping your opposition fighting just to keep their head above water. New Zealand were in recovery mode for nearly the entire 50 overs of their innings, and never looked like threatening with the ball either. India will be looking for more of the same in the deciding ODI.

New Zealand would have rued the fact that eight batsmen reached double figures in the 2nd ODI, but no one made a 50. They need to see this from a positive point of view, believing that this game could be the day they convert their starts, and produce a score that can deliver them a fantastic series win away from home.

Key to an India series win:

India’s bowlers set up the victory in Pune. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was so good that he should have received the Man of the Match award, but that’s a discussion for a different forum, perhaps. He was well supported by all of India’s bowlers, who contributed to restricting New Zealand to just 230/9 on a good batting pitch.
More of the same will be expected, and if they can deliver it, they’ll be on their way to seven straight ODI series victories.

Key to a New Zealand series win

Desperately need more from their top order.
New Zealand’s top order was their strength during a difficult Champions Trophy campaign, but in this series, they’ve been disappointing.
In the 2nd ODI, New Zealand’s middle order was placed under too much pressure, and couldn’t recover well enough to reach a competitive total. New Zealand need more from Kane Williamson, who has picked up two low scores in a row. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro, who has looked all at sea against the slower ball, need to start well at the top.
For New Zealand to win, their top order has to better deal with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah.

Predicted line ups:

India’s combinations worked in the 2nd ODI, including Dinesh Karthik at number 4 and Axar Patel in the bowling line up, who helped keep Tom Latham quiet.
India: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli (c), 4 Dinesh Karthik, 5 Jedar Yadhav, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal
For New Zealand, they should stick with the same side knowing that lots of their batsmen got starts in previous games, but need to go on this time.

New Zealand: 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (c), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Henry Nicholls, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Adam Milne, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult

Stats & Facts:

  • Virat Kohli needs just 83 runs to reach 9,000 ODI runs.
  • This is the second time in two years that these two teams will be facing off in a decider. India won the previous series.
  • Kane Williamson this series: 9 runs, average 4.50, strike rate: 32.14
  • India have won six ODI series in a row, and haven’t lost an ODI series at home since 2015.
  • New Zealand have never won a deciding ODI match in India – they lost in 1995, 1999 and 2016. Fourth time lucky?

Prediction

A series which many predicted would be 3-0 to India has a decider.
India’s bowlers were too strong in the 2nd ODI, and have settled quite nicely after a 1st up defeat. I believe Virat Kohli will score 83+ to reach 9,000 ODI runs and take India to a 2-1 series win.
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Stats highlights: Pakistan take out T20I Series v Sri Lanka

Charbel Coorey
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0

What an incredible game this was…

So many unexpected twists and turns, and in the end, Pakistan snuck home to take out the T20I series, before the third game in beloved Pakistan.

I love stats, so here are some of my favourite from the 2nd T20I:

1st hat-trick ever for Pakistan in T20Is

Faheem Ashraf became the 1st Pakistan bowler to take a T20I hat-trick. After pinning Dasun Shanaka LBW, he was greeted by a big hug from skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. 
The commentary from Danny Morrison made it all the more enjoyable. A great moment.

Second-worst 8 wicket collapse in T20I history

Sri Lanka’s lost 8/14 towards the end of the innings, and is one of the worst collapses ever.
Well placed at 106/1 with 3.5 overs to go, Sri Lanka would have believed they could reach 140+, which could have very well been enough. Instead, they went into free-fall, losing 8/14 in their last few overs.

7 straight limited-over losses

Sri Lanka lost their seventh straight game in the UAE.
After the 5-0 defeat in the ODIs, the Lions would have been hoping for a change in the T20Is. Their young, inexperience team have come close, but to no avail.

Two huge contributions

Shadab Khan has announced himself as a vital player for Pakistan.
With the ball, he bowled 4 great overs for 1/14 and saw Pakistan home with the bat, scoring 16* off 8 balls in a very tight finish. The 19 year old has a huge future.

102 v 18

Sri Lanka’s top three contributed 102 runs. The remaining eight batsmen contributed just 18.
Considering how well Sri Lanka bowled, this extraordinary collapse cost them the series.
All the attention now moves to Lahore. It’s fantastic to have international cricket in Pakistan, and should be a great occasion.
If Pakistan win the third game, they will move to within one point of first placed New Zealand in the rankings.

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