Pak vs Zim: Zimbabwe to bat as Pakistan eye clean sweep of T20 series

Chances are that Abdullah Shafiq, who scored a hundred in the National T20 Cup, may make his international debut

November 10, 2020

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam (R) plays a shot during the second Twenty20 cricket match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on November 8, 2020. -AFP

RAWALPINDI: Zimbabwe captain Chamud Chibhabha won the toss and decided to bat first in the third and final Twenty20 International, also their last game on tour, here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe made two changes as Saudi Arabian-born Faraz Akram is making his debut while Craig Ervine is playing his first T20I this tour. Both have replaced Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava.

Pakistan made three changes as batsman Abdullah Shafique is making debut with Imad Wasim and Musa Khan also returning to the team. Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Hafeez are rested while Faheem Ashraf also sits out in the last game before Pakistan gear up for the PSL, due to begin later in the week.

Teams:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (captain), Haider Ali, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Khushdil Shah Imad Wasim, Mohammad Musa, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Qadir.

Zimbabwe: Chamu Chibhabha (captain), Brendan Taylor (wk), Ryan Burl, ean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani.

After attaining an unassailable lead, Pakistan will be looking to clean sweep the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe.

Batting issues haunt Zimbabwe

“Batting has been our problem, especially in the T20 series. We have not succeeded in raising a good total to challenge Pakistan,” Zimbabwe captain Chamu Chibhabha said following his team’s loss in the second T20 — their 13th straight loss against the team green.

Chibhabha hinted at fielding some reserves in the final game. “Like Wessley we have a couple of more talented players in the squad and I think the time has come to test them,” he said. Both teams rested on Monday following back-to-back T20s.

In the T20 series, Pakistan have been served well by newcomers such as Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Haider Ali and Usman Qadir. “I have really enjoyed bowling against Zimbabwe, especially in the second T20 where I got three wickets. I enjoyed Sikandar Raza’s wicket when he misread my wrong one,” Usman said.

Babar Azam pleased with youngsters

Pakistan captain Babar Azam was happy to see youngsters performing to the best of their abilities. In a media talk, he said he was happy to see youngsters getting confidence with each passing day. “We want our youngsters to gain experience in the company of seasoned players. I am happy that they are delivering and it means they are ready for future series. It is a good sign for Pakistan as the T20 World Cup is also coming closer,” Babar said.

Regarding changes for the last T20, he said the management was considering all options, however, it would not be appropriate to make major changes at this stage. “We need to back the youngsters because their continuous efforts will help them gain confidence,” Babar said.

Chances are that Abdullah Shafiq, who scored a hundred in the National T20 Cup, may make his international debut.