PAK vs ZIM Match Prediction- 2nd T20I, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Published - 03 Dec 2024, 01:32 PM | Updated - 03 Dec 2024, 01:33 PM
Pakistan heads into the second T20I in Bulawayo with a 1-0 advantage. The Visitors routed the hosts by 57-run but the victory was not without challenges, their batting fell apart when faced with spin reaching 165 despite a quick beginning.
Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan came to the rescue with a late push scoring 34 runs in the final two overs. Haris Rauf and newcomer Sufiyan Muqeem secured the win with intense bowling tearing through Zimbabwe's lower order, which lost eight wickets for a mere 31 runs.
Zimbabwe even in defeat, showed some some fight. Sikandar Raza's all-around excellence (14 runs in 4 overs and 39 off 28 balls) and Tadiwanashe Marumani's explosive start gave Pakistan a fright. However, their lower order crumbled under pressure which has been a recurring issue for the hosts.
Also read: PAK vs ZIM Match Preview- 2nd T2OI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
PAK vs ZIM Team Analysis
Pakistan
Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistan team in the 2nd PAK vs ZIM T2OI.
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza will lead the Zimbabwe team in the 2nd PAK vs ZIM T2OI.
PAK vs ZIM Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
The Queen's Sports Club pitch will offer a steady even surface with good bounce. At the start fast bowlers can make the most of the lively conditions with the new ball.
As the day heats up though, the pitch should become easier for batting in the afternoon. Spin bowlers might play a role in the middle overs if the pitch dries out more, but the turn is modest here. Batsmen may struggle against the older ball, and different types of deliveries are likely to keep them in check.
Form and Fitness
Pakistan have rested Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah for this series while Zimbabwe will have the best available players to choose from.
Tactical Acumen
Pakistan
Pakistan comes into this contest with a lead and should step into the second T20I in Bulawayo with no complacency.
A 57-run margin may look convincing but did expose their top-order inconsistency and batting failure in the middle session. Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan's late fireworks covered up the cracks where the batting lineup was struggling from 79 runs in 13 overs in the middle game.
It was these weaknesses that Pakistan compensated for by relying on an explosive finish and the bowling brilliance of Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem in the death overs.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will rue the lost opportunity. Their middle-order flourish, powered by Sikandar Raza and Tadiwanashe Marumani's 75-run partnership, gave the hosts a real chance.
However, their Achilles' heel—fragile middle and lower orders—was brutally exposed. Losing eight wickets for just 31 runs showed an inability to sustain momentum under pressure.
With Raza anchoring their innings and returning 4-0-14-0 in the first game, Zimbabwe's success hinges on others stepping up to support their talisman.
PAK vs ZIM Match Prediction- 2nd T20I, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
PAK vs ZIM Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| PAK | 160-180 | 140-160 |
| ZIM | 140-160 | 130-150 |
PAK vs ZIM Key Players
PAK: Sufyan Moqeem, Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Irfan Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Tayyab Tahir will be key players for Pakistan.
ZIM: Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava will be key players for Zimbabwe.
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for PAK in the match: Saim Ayub or Salman Ali Agha
Who will score the most runs for ZIM in the match: Sikandar Raza or Tadiwanashe Marumani
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for PAK in the match: Abrar Ahmed or Sufyan Moqeem
Who will pick the most wickets for ZIM in the match: Richard Ngarava or Sikandar Raza
Conclusion - Who will win the match?
Pakistan is well set to overpower Zimbabwe in the 2nd on the back of a lethal pace attack of Pakistan and Guile in a spin with Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqeem.
Pakistan's middle order and spinners can command full control over the game and thus are favorites to clinch a comprehensive win over Zimbabwe whose hope would solely rest with Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl.
Tagged:
Pakistan National Cricket Team Zimbabwe National Cricket Team PAK vs ZIM ZIM vs PAK Pakistan vs Zimbabwe Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
