Making their ODI debuts, fast-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal, wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan, and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram joined the lineup as Pakistan decided to rest some key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah during this white-ball series.
Riding on the success from a recent 2-1 ODI series win over Australia, marking their first triumph on Australian soil in 22 years, Pakistan aims to maintain its positive momentum.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed optimism about the match conditions, stating, “The first hour might be challenging for the batters, and we wish to capitalize on that. The confidence is high after the win in Australia, and we hope to continue performing well.”
Leading the Pakistan bowling attack is fast bowler Haris Rauf, who made a significant impact in the previous ODI series with ten wickets in three matches. He is joined by Mohammad Hasnain and Jamal as additional pace options.
Zimbabwe counters with a seasoned top-order batting lineup featuring captain Craig Ervine, Siakandar Raza, and Sean Williams. They handed a debut to all-rounder Brian Bennett, known for his powerful batting in the middle order.
Although Ervine wished to bowl first as well in the gloomy conditions, he expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparation for the match.
“This week’s preparation has exceeded expectations,” Ervine commented. “The team has shown excellent intensity and a great attitude in training, and I am looking forward to more of that during the game.”
Following the three-match ODI series, the teams will compete in three T20 matches, all held in Bulawayo.
Line-ups:
Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Joylord Gumbie, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (captain), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Faisal Akram.