Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Pakistan broke their 2018 ODI duck in emphatic fashion on Friday, and Zimbabwe fell deeper into the doldrums at the same time.
That’s a very accurate picture of the first match, and unfortunately, promises to be the picture for the rest of the series. The best thing on show was the enthusiasm and support from the Bulawayo crowd. It was great to see (except for the Manchester United jersey)!
Despite the huge 201 run defeat, I believe Zimbabwe still have things to be positive about. Before you call me a fool for saying that, I will mention the fantastic opening spells from Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani, with the latter in particular causing centurion Imam-ul-Haq quite a few issues in the opening overs. Can the edges be found today? Can Zimbabwe have a more competitive outing? I hope so.
Pakistan, as predicted, were too good for Zimbabwe on Friday, but will want to continue improving as part of their preparations for next year’s Cricket World Cup. The total of 308 was perhaps a little underwhelming given the position they were in to launch, so that’s something they could look to work on today. Of course, they start as overwhelming favourites after their fifth biggest win in ODIs (by runs), and should make it 2-0.
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| It was a big day for Pakistan! |
However, cricket can be a funny game, and if you’re complacent, you can pay the price. Pakistan need to guard against it.
Key to a Zimbabwe win
As mentioned, Zimbabwe’s biggest positive from the 1st ODI was the excellent effort from their opening bowlers. They conceded just 36 in the first ten overs. Unfortunately, though, it wasn’t transferred into wickets.
With an early morning start in winter, Zimbabwe will likely bowl again if given the opportunity, and if they do, early wickets will put them right into the game. It’s vital they get more out of the follow up bowlers, and test the Pakistan middle order. Restrict Pakistan to 250, and you just never know what can happen.
Also, the batsmen simply have to show more fight. Hamilton Mazakadza continues to underwhelm – today is the day where he must lead from the front and tell his teammates to jump on board. If he’s in the runs (which he has to be considering all the players missing), Zimbabwe have a good shot at a competitive total.
Key a Pakistan win
Pakistan broke their ODI duck for 2018, and surely more wins are on the way. Their bowlers simply blew Zimbabwe away on Friday, and they’ll be keen for another hit out.
The seamers picked up regular wickets at the top, and Zimbabwe’s lower order had little answer to Shadab Khan, who had a good day out. With a Zimbabwe line up as fragile as a broken bone, the Pakistanis need to remain ruthless.
Also, a good platform was set by the top order in the 1st ODI, with debutant Asif Ali auditioning well as Pakistan’s finisher. Zimbabwe will once again look for wickets and good economy rates at the top, so it’s important Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman get through that period again.
Predicted teams
Malcolm Waller is the latest player to withdraw from the Zimbabwe squad, citing labour practice laws. In this game, surely Tendai Chisoro gets a chance after a promising showing in the recent T20I Tri-Series?
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Brian Chari, 2. Chamu Chibhabha, 3. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 4. Tarisai Musakanda, 5. Peter Moor, 6. Ryan Murray (wk), 7. Donald Tiripano, 8. Liam Roche/Tendai Chisoro, 9. Wellington Mazakadza, 10. Tendai Chatara, 11. Blessing Muzarabani
Until the series is sewn up, Pakistan are unlikely to experiment.
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Imam-ul-Haq, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Asif Ali, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Usman Khan
Stats and Facts
- Zimbabwe have now lost their last three ODIs.
- Shoaib Malik needs just three runs to reach 7,000 ODI runs. He will become the 8th Pakistani to reach that landmark.
Prediction
Conditions are expected to be cool again, with the pitch to flatten out after any morning moisture dissipates. Early morning wickets represent Zimbabwe’s best chance of causing an upset, but I can’t see it happening.
Pakistan to make it 2-0.
