Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey

PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI Key Players | Rawalpindi Pitch Report

With one team having won 52 of 57 completed ODIs against the other, the first ODI was refreshingly competitive. Zimbabwe, led by an honest bowling display and the superb Brendan Taylor, made a cautious and rusty Pakistan work hard for their victory last time out.

So, the key question for the Zimbabweans is whether they can build on such a performance. In addition to Taylor, the efforts of Blessing Muzarabani and the impressive Wesley Madhevere were encouraging, and provides hope to their fans that what’s to come looks more positive than what’s been in the past few years. Ultimately, though, their lack of depth in the lower order proved key, so top order contributions will be vital.

However, to level the series, Zimbabwe will need to overcome the excellent Shaheen Shah Afridi. The young left-arm pacer was Babar Azam’s go-to man, with Wahab Riaz providing excellent support. But, Pakistan will want an improved batting display, after what was a bit of an underwhelming display in the opening ODI. So, with a game under their belt in this series, will Pakistan hit top form in the second ODI?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• That man Shaheen Shah Afridi was at it again. With his 5/49 in the first ODI, the left-armer has now taken a remarkable 25 wickets in his past seven ODIs, dating back to Pakistan’s tour of England last year.
• The eventual man of the match, Brendan Taylor, said that Shaheen deserved the award. However, Taylor was deserving, after giving his side a chance of victory thanks to his brilliant 112.
• Taylor successfully built on an already good record against Pakistan. Now, he has 684 runs against them in 17 ODIs at an average of 42.75.
• Imam-ul-Haq, who possesses an average of over 50 in ODIs, was looking the goods in the first ODI before a terrible run-out ended his innings. He has 453 runs in six matches against Zimbabwe, at an average of 75.50.
• It was a rare failure for Babar Azam last time out, so watch out for the Pakistani captain today. He recently struck 86*, 86, 64*, 0 and 39 in the National T20 Cup, all at Rawalpindi.
• How about Wesley Madhevere’s pull shots? Zimbabwe have an excellent up-and-coming batsman in their ranks, who is coming off 55 in the first ODI. His dismissal was key for Pakistan after a 119-run stand with Brendan Taylor.
• Haris Sohail (71) held things together well for Pakistan in the first ODI. Imad Wasim (34* off 26) finished off the innings well. Interestingly, Imad has an excellent ODI batting record, and could be key again: 40 inns, 986 runs, avg. 42.86, SR 110.29.
• Can Craig Ervine build on his 41 last game? He and Sean Williams (400 runs vs Pakistan, avg. 28) will be key in the middle.
• Wahab Riaz (4/41 last game) now has 20 wickets in 10 matches vs Zimbabwe.
• Blessing Muzarabani (2/39) bowled well on his return to the national team. Can he back it up with another good display here?

Stats and Facts

• Pakistan have won 53 of 58 completed ODIs against Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwe have lost nine straight ODIs dating back to their 4-0 series win vs UAE in April 2019.
• Zimbabwe have not won an ODI vs Pakistan in Pakistan since 1999. Could this be their time?

Possible Playing 11

Pakistan: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Abid Ali/Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam (c), 4. Haris Sohail, 5. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 6. Iftikhar Ahmed/Shadab Khan, 7. Imad Wasim, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Haris Rauf/Mohammad Hasnain, 10. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 11. Wahab Riaz

Zimbabwe: 1. Brian Chari, 2. Chamu Chibhabha (c), 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor (wk), 5. Sean Ervine, 6. Wesley Madhevere, 7. Sikandar Raza, 8. Carl Mumba/Elton Chigumbura/Ryan Burl, 9. Tendai Chisoro, 10. Richard Ngarava, 11. Blessing Muzarabani

Rawalpindi Pitch and Weather Report

A different pitch is expected to be used for this match. However, it could play similarly to the first, where batsmen and bowlers are in the game due to a small covering of grass. The earlier start could provide some movement for the quicks.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Pakistan have it in them to go up another gear. The key for Zimbabwe would be to stay in the game and have the belief they can get over the finish line. While they will try hard, Pakistan should win.

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