PAK vs ZIM Match Prediction- 3rd ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024

Pakistan will look to clinch third ODI and Series as they face Zimbabwe. The visitors comprehensively defeated Zimbabwe by ten wickets in the second One Day International (ODI), leveling the series 1-1 at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

Saim Ayub emerged as the standout performer, smashing the fastest ODI hundred by a Pakistani batsman (excluding Shahid Afridi) in just 53 balls. His explosive innings, alongside Abdullah Shafique's steady 32, helped Pakistan chase down Zimbabwe's modest total of 145 with a staggering 32 overs to spare.

Earlier, Pakistan's spin attack dismantled Zimbabwe's batting lineup. Debutant Abrar Ahmed was particularly impressive, claiming 4 wickets for 33 runs. Salman Agha complemented him with 3 crucial wickets, restricting Zimbabwe to a low score after they won the toss and elected to bat.

Dion Myers top-scored for Zimbabwe with 33 runs, but the team struggled to build substantial partnerships. The batting collapse was stark, with the last five wickets falling for just 24 runs.

PAK vs ZIM Team Analysis

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan shoulders the critical responsibility of leading the team's charge against Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine will be leading Zimbabwe in the third game.

Also read: Virat Kohli's last Australia tour confirmed as team India lands in Adelaide

PAK vs ZIM Key Factors

Pitch Conditions

The third ODI match in the series PAK v ZIM will take place at the Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo. Something for everyone in Bulawayo Zimbabwe decks.

It is a solid, hard track that offers good bounce to the bowlers, and the batters enjoy the ball coming well onto the bat. The spinners too could be as effective for them, especially the middle overs-well timed to get them gripping the ball so well against the batters.

Form and Fitness

Pakistan have opted to rest key players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam for Pak vs Zim series, providing an opportunity for others to step up. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will field their strongest available squad, aiming to capitalize on the absence of Pakistan’s star performers.

Pakistan has a balanced lineup with in-form players. Their top order, featuring Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will look to, while the middle order, led by Mohammad Rizwan adds stability.

The team will lean on Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain's pace to unsettle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.

Zimbabwe will be host which can help them use comfortable conditions in their favor. Of course, much will depend upon how the captain Craig Ervine, along with the ever-so-experienced Sikandar Raza, can anchor Zimbabwe and restrict Pakistan's all-match attacking bowling.

Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will be crucial balling to look for any openings they get into Pakistan's top-order play.