Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
It’s good that there is a match every day.
And no, it’s not because I enjoy one-sided contests. Or that I love cricket, in this instance.
The Zimbabwe Tri-Series will come to a close on Sunday, just a week after it started. The way this series is going, we’ll move on and pretend it never happened. Records are being smashed, but it’s time teams aren’t smashed either. Here’s to a better, more competitive second half of the series.
Can Zimbabwe put on a competitive show after two thrashings? They will have to with their series on the line today. The atmosphere has been a little sombre at Harare Sports Club over the past few days, representative of a lack of both hope and expectation. Without their best players, Zimbabwe just haven’t stood a chance. Their net run rate, like their financial and cricketing status, makes for very grim reading. Can they perform a miracle today?
Pakistan were absolutely shocking in their last match, going down by nine wickets with 55 balls to spare against Australia. Most could say that they were favourites before this series began, but the question was whether they could perform well against the higher ranked sides after wins against teams they would be expected to beat. I bet they’ll be glad they are playing Zimbabwe again today, but the men in green simply have to play better cricket. If anyone says “great fightback by world no.1 Pakistan” today, I bet you they are trolling.
Key to a Zimbabwe win
Aaron Finch treated the Zimbabweans like an Under-11’s side yesterday, so it remains to be seen how Zimbabwe bounce back.
Their only success in this series is winning both coin tosses. Perhaps it’s time to give batting first a go, get a score on the board, and try put some scoreboard pressure on Pakistan? With just 237 runs across their first two matches (just eight more than Australia yesterday), it could be time for a change in strategy.
Their start with the bat against Australia, where they were often above ten an over in the first ten overs, was encouraging. Can they put in a prolonged effort here, and restrict a Pakistan top order that could still be shaken after Billy Stanlake ripped through them the other day?
Key to a Pakistan win
Absolutely shocking batting performance by Pakistan on Monday, getting bundled out for 116. The top order was simply clueless against Billy Stanlake. The lower order showed some fight, but it was far too late. Today, they have the chance to make amends, albeit against a far less threatening attack.
Also, with a bit of pace and bounce in the Harare tracks so far this week, Pakistan’s bowlers will be keen to get into their groove. After being tasked with defending 116 the other day, more runs here will be welcomed.
Predicted teams
A shout out to Tendai Chisoro, who bowled four overs for just 19 amid the carnage against Australia yesterday. But, I think it’s time they make some changes in the bowling department. John Nyumbu and Chris Mpofu could be replaced, after going for plenty. Can Zimbabwe cause Pakistan’s batting some problems?
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Solomon Mire, 2. Chamu Chibhabha, 3. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 4. Tarisai Musakanda, 5. Peter Moor (wk), 6. Elton Chigumbura, 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Tendai Chisoro, 9. Donald Tiripano, 10. Wellington Mazakadza, 11. Blessing Muzarabani
For Pakistan, the top order will probably be given a chance to make amends. Also, Mohammad Amir could come in.
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Mohammad Hafeez, 3. Hussain Talat, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 6. Asif Ali, 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Mohammad Nawaz, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Mohammad Amir
Stats and Facts
- Zimbabwe conceded the first ever 200+ run partnership in T20Is yesterday.
- Pakistan’s loss against Australia was their first in nine matches.
- If Zimbabwe lose today, it’s curtains for them in this series.
Prediction
Pakistan. Very little hope for Zimbabwe, except that it is a closer game.
