Zimbabwe Playing 11 vs Pakistan- 3rd ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Published - 28 Nov 2024, 08:20 AM | Updated - 28 Nov 2024, 08:41 AM
Zimbabwe is in a do-or-die situation going into the third ODI, after suffering a ten-wicket thrashing at the hands of Pakistan in the second game.
With home advantage, the hosts were unable to cope with the Pakistani spinners, who kept the runs to 145 in 32.3 overs. Dion Myers's brave 33 and Craig Ervine's steady 18 weren't enough to anchor the innings as Abrar Ahmed went for 4 for 33 and Agha Salman took 3 for 26.
The fielding side will also regret the missed opportunities, and Saim Ayub's unbeaten 113 off 62 balls took Pakistan to a comfortable win. The host bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava were unable to restrain the aggressive approach of Pakistan while fielding lapses piled up on their problems.
On heading into the series decider, the hosts will rely majorly on senior players to deliver with both bat and ball. The team had to find ways to take to Pakistan's spin-heavy attack and put up a good tally
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.
Zimbabwe Playing 11 vs Pakistan- 3rd ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Openers: Joylord Gumbie, Tadiwanashe Marumani
Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie are likely to come in as openers for the hosts in the third ODI against Pakistan. In the first ODI, the pair had looked decent on the tricky Bulawayo pitch, negotiating trying conditions well.
But their performance was not the same in the second match as the track was a bit bowler-friendly, which made scoring tough. Both will look to regain form and give the hosts a good start to win the series.
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Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe’s middle order for the third ODI will likely feature Dion Myers, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Razac, and Brian Bennett. This lineup has shown glimpses of potential but struggled in the second match against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
Myers scored a quick 33 in the second game, while Williams managed 31, but both fell at critical moments. Ervine, the skipper, will have to lead by example, while Raza and Bennett have to rise to the occasion to form partnerships and stabilize the innings.
The middle order will be crucial in setting a competitive total or chasing a target against Pakistan's spin-heavy attack.
Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Brendon Mavuta, Trevor Gwandu
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack for the third ODI is likely to include Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu, and Brandon Mavuta. Muzarabani, with his height and bounce looks to trouble Pakistan’s top order despite going wicketless in the second ODI.
Ngarava’s left-arm pace provides variety, while Gwandu will look to improve his economy after a costly outing. Leg-spinner Mavuta, though expensive offers attacking options with his wicket-taking abilities.
