Following a remarkable 80-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected first match, Zimbabwe leads the three-match series 1-0.
In a bid to strengthen their squad, Pakistan made two adjustments to their lineup. Middle-order batsman Tayyab Tahir and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed were introduced for their ODI debuts, replacing Haseebullah Khan and fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain.
Haseebullah was left out after scoring zero runs in his debut match, while Hasnain made way for Abrar, as conditions are expected to favor slower bowlers.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, chose to retain their winning team after observing Pakistan’s struggles against both pace and spin options in the first encounter.
In a strategic move, Pakistan has decided to rest key white-ball players including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam. This decision allows them to assess their bench strength ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy next year.
The third and final ODI of the series is scheduled to take place in Bulawayo on Thursday, which will also serve as the venue for the subsequent three-match T20 series involving both teams.
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**Team Lineups:**
**Zimbabwe:** Tawandanashe Marumani, Joylord Gumbie, Craig Ervine (captain), Sean Williams, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu.
**Pakistan:** Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed.
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