PAK vs ZIM Match Preview- 2nd T2OI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Published - 03 Dec 2024, 01:32 PM
Following a hard-fought 57-run victory in the series opener, Pakistan will look to clinch the T20I series in Bulawayo.
The first match was all about Zimbabwe's initial promise but crumbling afterward against Pakistan's miserly bowling with Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf dismantling the home team's middle order.
Zimbabwe seeks redemption, especially after losing the last eight wickets for a mere 31 runs in the first T2OI.
Sikandar Raza's all-around show and Tadiwanashe Marumani's powerplay assault give glimpses of what could be, but inconsistent batting remains their main challenge.
Pakistan, helped along by late-order heroics from Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan, will look to keep the momentum going. With a batting lineup capable of explosive starts and a potent bowling attack, they look to be favorites to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
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PAK vs ZIM Match Preview- 2nd T2OI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
PAK vs ZIM 2nd T2OI Date and Venue
The PAK vs ZIM 2nd T20I will be held on Tuesday (December 03) at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The game will begin at 5:00 PM IST and 01:30 PM local time.
Squads:
Pakistan
Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistan team in the 2nd 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, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper)
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza will lead the Zimbabwe team in the 2nd 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
Pakistan Openers vs Zimbabwe Bowlers in Powerplay
The opening battle between Pakistan's batsmen and Zimbabwe's new ball bowlers could be the match-defining moment in the 2nd T20i match.
Pakistan's Saim Ayub has been in good form throughout the tour and can have a say in the powerplay with a quick knock.
Zimbabwe's bowling attack, led by Richard Ngarava and Blessings Muzabani will have a task cut out to create early pressure by maintaining a tight line and length during the powerplay.
They will focus on breaking through Pakistan's top order quickly and disrupting the visitors' momentum.
Sikandar Raza vs Haris Rauf
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza is the most important player for his side. Raza looked lone warrior in Zimbabwe's capitulation in the first t20i against Pakistan where he scored 39.
Raza will face a stern challenge from Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s fiery speedster who is in the form of his life and is coming off a good outing in his first T2Oi where he scalped two wickets.
Richard Ngarava vs Irfan Khan
Richard Ngarava and Irfan Khan's showdown in the final overs could determine the match's outcome. Khan has been a destructive force in his limited opportunities and has targeted late-inning scoring.
Ngarava's left-arm angle and yorker skills make him a potent weapon to counter Khan's aggressive batting. His goal will be to restrict runs and potentially breakthrough Khan's momentum.
PAK vs ZIM Key Players
PAK: Salman Ali Agha, 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.
PAK vs ZIM Weather And Pitch Report
One can expect a sunny day in Bulawayo, with the temperature hovering around 33°C.
Humidity is low at 17%, and there's no chance of rain (0% precipitation), ensuring uninterrupted play.
Winds at 14 km/h may provide some movement for pacers in the early overs but shouldn't be a major factor.
As the match progresses, cooler temperatures in the evening might offer some respite to the players.
The pitch at Queen's Sports Club will be a consistent, well-balanced track that will have a good bounce.
Early on, the lively conditions can be taken advantage of by the pacers with the new ball.
However, as the sun beats down, the surface is expected to ease out, making stroke play more comfortable in the afternoon.
The middle overs might have spinners playing a part if the surface dries further, but the turn is moderate here.
The older ball could be difficult for batsmen, and variations of the deck are likely to hold them in check.
Tagged:
Pakistan National Cricket Team Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Pakistan vs Zimbabwe Zimbabwe vs Pakistan ZIM vs PAK
