PAK vs ZIM Match Preview- 1st ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024

Zimbabwe hosts Pakistan for a white-ball series. The series kicks off with three ODIs and is followed by three T20Is starting on November 24.

Pakistan enters the contest after a mixed Australian tour. They clinched their first ODI series Down Under in 22 years (2-1) but suffered a 3-0 T20I whitewash. Their last T20I loss came on Monday at Hobart, when they fell by seven wickets.

Zimbabwe arrives with momentum after dominating the T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier Group B. Captain Sikandar Raza starred in a record-breaking 133* off 43 balls against Kenya.

One thing that has moved is Sean Williams returning to Zimbabwe's ODI squad after missing the Sri Lanka series but not T20Is. Otherwise, the Pakistan team remains stable despite losing the recent series in Australia.

PAK vs ZIM Match Preview- 1st ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024

PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Date and Venue

The 1st PAK vs ZIM ODI will be held on Sunday (November 24) at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. It is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM IST and 09:30 AM local time.

Squads:

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan will be leading the Pakistan team in the first PAK vs ZIM ODI.

Pakistan Squad: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir.

Also read: IND vs AUS Match Preview- 1st Test, India tour of Australia 2024

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine will be leading Zimbabwe in the first PAK vs ZIM game.

Zimbabwe Squad: Craig Ervine (c), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.

PAK vs ZIM Key Battles

Pakistan Openers vs Zimbabwe new ball bowlers

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will look to provide depth and stability to Pakistan's batting against Zimbabwe's potent pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava. Shafique and Ayub have been impressive in form and come from a huge summer in Australia and would hope to replicate that in Zimbabwe.

Muzarabani’s sharp bounce and accuracy can unsettle batters, while Ngarava’s left-arm angle poses a unique challenge. The battle will be intense with Zimbabwe aiming for early breakthroughs to disrupt Pakistan’s rhythm.

Craig Ervine vs Mohammad Rizwan

Two captains-Craig Ervine and Mohammad Rizwan-bring contrasting styles to the field. Ervine's composed leadership and the ability to stabilize Zimbabwe's innings will be crucial against Pakistan's potent attack. Rizwan, with aggressive batting and sensible captaincy, would look to lead from the front and dominate the game.

The tactical decisions by both captains will all boil down to whether it is Ervine anchoring Zimbabwe or Rizwan accelerating Pakistan's innings.

Sikandar Raza vs Haris Rauf

Sikandar Raza’s all-round ability will face a stern test against Haris Rauf’s fiery pace in this crucial battle. Raza who is known for his ability to anchor and accelerate will need to counter Rauf’s lethal yorkers and sharp bouncers. Rauf, on the other hand, thrives in high-pressure situations and will look to dismiss Zimbabwe’s linchpin early.

PAK vs ZIM Key Players

PAK: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain will be key players for Pakistan.

ZIM: Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava will be key players for Zimbabwe.

PAK vs ZIM Weather And Pitch Report

According to the weather forecast, The match is likely to have bad weather with a 50% chance of precipitation.

The Queens Sports Club pitch promises swing early on which will aid fast bowlers and is expected to be a middling scoring affair.