Pakistan is placed face to face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series starting 1 December 2024 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The series follows Pakistan’s recent success in the ODI format, where they had a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe to boost their confidence in the T20Is.
Salman Ali Agha will lead the team in the absence of the regular captain Mohammad Rizvanwho rests with other key players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Sikandar Raza Will captain the Zimbabwean side with an aim to inspire his team after their recent ODI losses.
Pakistan have an advantage over Zimbabwe in the shortest format
Historically, Pakistan have dominated T20Is against Zimbabwe, winning 16 of the 18 matches they have played. The last meeting between these teams was particularly memorable for Zimbabwe as they edged Pakistan by just one run. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group stage in October 2022. The series presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to challenge Pakistan’s dominance and showcase their young talent.
Both teams want to make a positive impact on the series. Pakistan will be aiming to build on their recent ODI success as they look to buy back from their ODI series defeat by Zimbabwe. The matches are expected to be competitive, with both teams having a mix of experienced players and new talent.
Also READ: Kamran Ghulam, bowlers lead Pakistan to series victory over Zimbabwe in 3rd ODI
Here is Zimbabwe’s best starting XI for the T20I series Pakistan:
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Role: All-rounder (middle-order batting)
- Strengths: Raza is an experienced footballer with the ability to perform under pressure. He is known for his aggressive batting style and can anchor shots as well as accelerate when needed. His off-spin bowling adds depth to the bowling attack.
- Impact: As captain, Raza’s leadership will be instrumental in strategizing against a formidable Pakistan side. His all-round capabilities can change the course of a match.
- Wessley Madhevere
- Role: Pastry of the highest order
- Strengths: Madhevere has a dynamic bent with solid technique and an aggressive stroke play. He has shown promise in previous appearances and can score quickly on the power play.
- Impact: A strong start from Madhevere can set the tone for the innings, allowing other batsmen to build on a solid foundation.
- Ryan Burl
- Role: Medium dough
- Strengths: Burl is known for his explosive batting and ability to play good spin. He can speed up the scoring in mid-range passes and has a knack for finishing plays.
- Impact: His ability to hit boundaries consistently makes him a key player in high-pressure situations, especially at the death.
- We found Marumani
- Role: Opening batter
- Strengths: Marumani is an aggressive opener and he can take advantage of pitch restrictions early. His ability to rotate the shot will be vital.
- Impact: A strong opening partnership with Madhevere could provide Zimbabwe with a solid platform.
- Clive Madande (Week)
- Role: Goalkeeper-prone
- Strengths: Madande is known for his quick scoring ability and has been influential in domestic cricket. His keeping ability is reliable which is very important in T20 matches.
- Impact: As a keeper, he provides stability behind the stumps while also being able to score quickly in the middle orders.
- Blessed Muzarabani
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strengths: Muzarabani has height and pace that makes him a threat with both new and old balls. He can play the yorkers and has good control over his length.
- Impact: His ability to take early wickets can put pressure on Pakistan’s batting line-up, making him a key player in the powerplay.
- Richard Shipp
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strengths: Ngarava is known for his left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball. It provides variety to the attack and can be effective in both powerplays and deathmatches.
- Impact: Ngarawa’s performance will be instrumental in restricting runs and taking wickets at critical moments.
- The Brandon Problem
- Role: Spinner
- Strengths: The Brandon Problem is an effective leg-spinner who can turn the ball sharply, making him dangerous on the turning tracks. He also lowers the order with the bat.
- Impact: His ability to pick wickets in the middle innings can help stem the flow of runs against Pakistan’s aggressive batting line-up.
- Dion Myers
- Role: Comprehensive
- Strengths: Myers is versatile with both bat and ball, capable of hitting medium pace and contributing valuable runs in the lower order.
- Impact: As an all-rounder, he allows flexibility in both batting and bowling strategies, providing balance to the team.
- Trevor Gwandu
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strengths: Gwandu is an emerging talent known for his pace and ability to create bounce that can be effective on Zimbabwean pitches.
- Impact: His inclusion adds depth to Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, especially if he performs well under pressure.
- Faraz Akram
- Role: Comprehensive
- Strengths: Akram brings additional bowling options such as medium pace pace along with useful lower order batting capabilities.
- Impact: As a utility player, his role can be crucial in tight matches where every run counts.
