Pakistan are set to face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series starting December 1, 2024, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This series follows Pakistan’s recent success in the ODI format, where they clinched a 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe, boosting their confidence going into the T20Is.
Salman Ali Agha will lead the team in the absence of regular captain Mohammad Rizwan, who is resting along with other key players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Sikandar Raza will captain the Zimbabwean side, aiming to inspire his team after their recent ODI losses.
Pakistan having an edge over Zimbabwe in the shortest format
Historically, Pakistan have dominated the T20I encounters against Zimbabwe, winning 16 of the 18 matches played. The last meeting between these teams was particularly memorable for Zimbabwe, as they edged out Pakistan by just one run during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group stage in October 2022. This series presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to challenge Pakistan’s dominance and showcase their young talent.
Both teams are eager to set a positive tone for the series. Pakistan aim to build on their recent ODI success while Zimbabwe seeks redemption after their ODI series defeat. The matches are expected to be competitive, with both squads featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.
Also READ: Kamran Ghulam, bowlers power Pakistan to a series clinching win over Zimbabwe in 3rd ODI
Here is Zimbabwe’s best starting XI for the T20I series against Pakistan:
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Role: All-rounder (batting in the middle order)
- Strengths: Raza is an experienced player with a strong ability to perform under pressure. He is known for his aggressive batting style and can anchor innings while also accelerating when needed. His off-spin bowling adds depth to the bowling attack.
- Impact: As captain, Raza’s leadership will be crucial in strategizing against a formidable Pakistani side. His all-round capabilities can change the course of a match.
- Wessly Madhevere
- Role: Top-order batter
- Strengths: Madhevere is a dynamic batter with a solid technique and aggressive stroke play. He has shown promise in previous outings and can score quickly during the powerplay.
- Impact: A strong start from Madhevere can set the tone for the innings, allowing other batters to build on a solid foundation.
- Ryan Burl
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Strengths: Burl is known for his explosive batting and ability to play spin well. He can accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs and has experience in finishing games.
- Impact: His ability to hit boundaries consistently makes him a key player in high-pressure situations, especially during the death overs.
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Role: Opening batter
- Strengths: Marumani is an aggressive opener who can take advantage of fielding restrictions early on. His ability to rotate the strike will be vital.
- Impact: A strong opening partnership with Madhevere can provide Zimbabwe with a solid platform to build upon.
- Clive Madande (wk)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
- Strengths: Madande is known for his quick scoring ability and has been impressive in domestic cricket. His keeping skills are reliable, which is crucial in T20 matches.
- Impact: As a wicketkeeper, he provides stability behind the stumps while also being capable of scoring quickly in the middle order.
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strengths: Muzarabani possesses height and pace, making him a threat with both new and old balls. He can bowl yorkers and has good control over his length.
- Impact: His ability to take early wickets can put pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup, making him a key bowler in the powerplay.
- Richard Ngarava
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strengths: Ngarava is known for his left-arm pace bowling and ability to swing the ball. He provides variety to the attack and can be effective in both powerplay and death overs.
- Impact: Ngarava’s performance will be crucial in restricting runs and taking wickets at critical junctures.
- Brandon Mavuta
- Role: Spinner
- Strengths: Brandon Mavuta is an effective leg-spinner who can turn the ball sharply, making him dangerous on turning tracks. He also contributes lower down the order with bat.
- Impact: His ability to pick wickets in the middle overs can help stem the flow of runs against Pakistan’s aggressive batting lineup.
- Dion Myers
- Role: All-rounder
- Strengths: Myers is versatile with both bat and ball, able to bowl medium pace and contribute valuable runs in the lower order.
- Impact: As an all-rounder, he provides balance to the team, allowing flexibility in both batting and bowling strategies.
- Trevor Gwandu
- Role: Fast bowler
- Strengths: Gwandu is an emerging talent known for his pace and ability to generate bounce, which 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: All-rounder
- Strengths: Akram brings additional bowling options as a medium pacer along with useful lower-order batting capabilities.
- Impact: His role as a utility player can be crucial in tight matches where every run counts.