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

The stage is set for the third ODI as Pakistan dramatically leveled the One-Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe with a stunning ten-wicket victory; a performance that reversed their fortunes from the previous match.

Opener Saim Ayub smashed the fastest ODI century by a Pakistani batsman (excluding Shahid Afridi) in just 53 balls. His explosive innings, complemented by Abdullah Shafique's steady 32 helped Pakistan chase down Zimbabwe's modest 145-run target with 32 overs to spare.

The match turned early with Pakistan's spinners dismantling Zimbabwe's batting lineup. Debutant Abrar Ahmed was particularly impressive and claimed 4 wickets for 33 runs. Salman Agha also contributed after taking 3 crucial wickets that restricted Zimbabwe's scoring.

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

PAK vs ZIM 3rd ODI Date and Venue

The 3rd PAK vs ZIM ODI will be held on Thursday (November 28) 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 lead the Pakistan team in the third 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.

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine will be leading Zimbabwe in the third 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

Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique will bat for Pakistan in the third ODI, bringing their sparkling form to the crease. Saim dazzled with a remarkable unbeaten 113 off 62 balls at a strike rate of 182. Meanwhile, Shafique anchored with a composed 32* off 48 balls, striking at 66.67

Muzarabani’s sharp bounce and accuracy unsettled them. The battle will be intense with Zimbabwe aiming for early breakthroughs to disrupt Pakistan’s rhythm.

Craig Ervine vs Mohammad Rizwan

Two skippers with different styles, Craig Ervine and Mohammad Rizwan, will take the field. Ervine's steady leadership will be crucial in anchoring Zimbabwe's innings against a formidable Pakistan bowling attack.

Rizwan, known for his aggressive batting and sharp captaincy, will look to lead by example and maintain Pakistan's dominance.

Ultimately, the match could hinge on the tactical brilliance of these leaders—whether it's Ervine stabilizing Zimbabwe or Rizwan propelling Pakistan forward.

Zimbabwe middle order vs Pakistan Pacers

Craig Ervine's composed approach and Sean Williams' versatility will be tested against spinners Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed who were threatening in the previous match. Dion Myers and Brandon Mavuta will also need to step up to stabilize Zimbabwe's innings. For Pakistan, their spinners will look to replicate their dominance, supported by sharp fielding.

PAK vs ZIM Key Players

PAK: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Faisal Akram, 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

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has its most trying weather for cricketing, with heavy thunderstorms on Thursday, at a temperature of 27°C. Precipitation chance stands at 70%, meaning it will be difficult to start on time and have matches postponed, delayed, or canceled owing to rain and wet outfield.

Humidity is 69% high, making it an uncomfortable situation for players, thus enhancing the possibility of damp balls, and affecting swing and grip. The winds at 18 km/h could swing some deliveries and aerial shots, and hence provide another dimension for the players to negotiate.

The umpires along with ground staff need to be very watchful about lightning risks and ensure the safety of players. Teams should prepare themselves for a shortened match due to rain or the Duckworth-Lewis scenario.

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