PAK vs ZIM Match Preview- 1st T2OI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024

Pakistan's T20 squad arrives in Bulawayo with something to prove after a mixed recent performance in Australia where the visitors were blanked by a strong Australian side.

The visitors who are ranked seventh in ICC's T20I team rankings come into this series with both challenges and opportunities following their recent ODI series victory.

Salman Ali Agha will lead the side in Mohammad Rizwan's absence. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah are also rested for this series.

Zimbabwe, ranked 12th in T20I ranking, will look to get the best out of an excellent performance in the sub-regional qualifier of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 by Kenya.

The home side has maintained the same team that showed some glimpses of hope including some exciting youngbloods like Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Tinotenda Maposa.

Also read: England players decide for legal action against their own board after Pakistan ban

The series comes after Pakistan's comprehensive win in the 2-1 ODI series. They clinically outplayed Zimbabwe, culminating in the final match with a comfortable 99-run victory.

Kamran Ghulam's first ODI hundred and their good bowling performance were at the center of their dominance.

PAK vs ZIM Match Preview- 1st T2OI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024

PAK vs ZIM 1st T2OI Date and Venue

The PAK vs ZIM 1st T20I will be held on Sunday (December 01) at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. It is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM IST and 01:00 PM local time.

Squads:

Pakistan

Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistan team in the 1st PAK vs ZIM T2OI.

Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper)

Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza will lead the Zimbabwe team in the first PAK vs ZIM T20I.

Zimbabwe Squad: Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande (wicket-keeper), Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicket-keeper), Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava

PAK vs ZIM Key Battles

Sikandar Raza vs Haris Rauf

Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza’s recent form makes him the key batter for his side. Known for his composure against pace, Raza will face a stern challenge from Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s fiery speedster. Rauf’s ability to extract bounce and generate raw pace, especially in the powerplay, could disrupt Zimbabwe’s plans early on.

Ryan Burl vs Agha Salman

Middle-order powerhouse Ryan Burl is a proven match-winner with his aggressive batting. His contest with Pakistan captain Agha Salman, who can bowl economical off-spin looks exciting. Burl’s ability to target spinners in the middle overs could swing momentum Zimbabwe’s way unless Salman finds a way to contain him.

Blessing Muzarabani vs Tayyab Tahir

Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani will be crucial in the opening overs. His ability to extract movement could trouble Tayyab Tahir.

Tahir’s aggressive approach will test Muzarabani’s discipline and consistency.

PAK vs ZIM Key Players

PAK: Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Hasnain, and Tayyab Tahir will be key players for Pakistan.

ZIM: Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava will be key players for Zimbabwe.

PAK vs ZIM Weather And Pitch Report

The Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo promises an exciting contest for the Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe T20 match. Fast bowlers will have a good time in the early overs with the new ball offering swing and some seam movement.

However, as the day progresses, the pitch's consistent pace and bounce make batting easier, especially in the afternoon. Spinners could get some turn in the middle overs, but that would depend entirely on the dryness of the surface. The older ball might leave the batters struggling to cope with cutters and hard lengths from the pacers.

As far as weather is concerned the temperature will be 28°C, no rain, and humidity at 29%. A light breeze of 16 km/h could aid the bowlers to some extent. All things considered, it favors batters later in the game and should make it a very well-balanced contest between bat and ball.