Pakistan plan Zimbabwe series for Babar Azam’s comeback

Pakistan National Cricket Team is now touring Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series. They have been in deep trouble, as the Men in Green were completely outplayed in their first ODI match against the Bangla Tigers on Wednesday. Shaheen Shah Afridi has been leading a new, inexperienced side, which was bowled out for just 114 runs in the first game.

In reply, the home side chased down the total easily with 8 wickets in hand. The Men in Green have been struggling with form across every format of the game. This was a shocking result for the side, as they lost to Bangladesh for the first time in three years. The next ODI is very crucial to stay in the hunt for the series.

Pakistan to play Zimbabwe next?

Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in talks with Zimbabwe Cricket to find a window for the series later this year, or it may be rescheduled for next year. Zimbabwe was meant to travel to Pakistan in April, but the window was not accessible owing to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as per Geo News. The Chevrons have been in good form, especially in the shorter format.

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However, Pakistan needs to find its confidence back from this Bangladesh series, as it is the start of preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Though this is not a full squad of the Men in Green that will be going to the World Cup next year. There will be some senior cricketers, including Babar Azam, who might be included in the World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket under shallow waters

In recent years, the Men in Green have not been performing as expected. The last ODI tournament they played was the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Though they played on their home soil, they failed to qualify and finished at the bottom of the table, in a group that consisted of India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

The two teams met each other back in 2024, where Pakistan won the three-match ODI series 2-1 in Zimbabwe. In T20Is, the two teams met back last year, and since then, they have not played each other in any white-ball tournament. Hopefully, it will be an ODI series, keeping in mind the ODI World Cup next year in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Bangladesh eyeing a series win

For now, the Men in Green need to focus on the Bangladesh series, as the 2nd ODI is scheduled for tomorrow, and in case the visitors lose this match, it would be huge chaos inside their nation, as the former cricketers will lash out at them, as the last time the away side lost a series against Bangladesh was back in 2015.

The Men in Green also have not performed as per expectations in the major ODI tournaments, especially in the World Cups, as the side last qualified for the semi-final of an ODI World Cup was back in 2011, which they lost against India.

Mohsin Naqvi and PCB need to find a way to get the Men in Green back on the right track and win some tournaments and series away from home.

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