Pakistan eyes ODI series victory against Zimbabwe amid injury woes

Following an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI, Pakistan has turned its focus to the series-deciding match on Thursday in Bulawayo.

Reflecting on the team’s mindset, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan emphasized the importance of moving forward.

"This match is past now. My focus is already on the next game," Rizwan remarked during the post-match presentation.

Pakistan’s comprehensive win in the second ODI was powered by opener Saim Ayub’s unbeaten 113, guiding the visitors to chase down a modest target of 146 without losing a wicket.

Earlier, Zimbabwe struggled with the bat, collapsing for 145 at Queens Sports Club. The hosts had aimed to build on their 80-run triumph in the rain-hit series opener but fell well short.

Man of the Match Ayub echoed his captain’s sentiments about maintaining focus. “We’ve moved past the first game and will do the same with this one. Our aim is to stay in the moment and approach each game with a fresh mindset,” Ayub said after his match-winning performance.

Tactical adjustments pay off for Pakistan

Pakistan made strategic changes to their lineup after the first ODI, introducing Tayyab Tahir to strengthen the batting order and replacing pacer Mohammad Hasnain with spinner Abrar Ahmed.

The move paid off handsomely. Abrar, on his ODI debut, opened the bowling alongside Aamer Jamal and delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets.

The spinners’ dominance, which began in the first ODI, continued in the second as they accounted for the majority of Zimbabwe’s wickets.

Injury setbacks

Pakistan’s preparation for the decider has been hampered by injuries to fast bowlers Ahmed Daniyal and Shahnawaz Dahani. Both players have been ruled out of the series after sustaining injuries during a training session. Daniyal suffered a hamstring strain, while Dahani picked up an ankle injury. The duo will return to Pakistan for further assessment.

In their place, Abbas Afridi and Jahandad Khan have been called up and are expected to arrive in Bulawayo ahead of Thursday’s match. Despite these replacements, Pakistan is likely to retain the same bowling combination. Although, Haris Rauf and Aamer Jamal bowled only four overs each during second ODI, they are likely to retain their place as overcast conditions are expected on Thursday.

Zimbabwe aims to bounce back

For Zimbabwe, early breakthroughs will be critical to testing Pakistan’s middle order, which has yet to redeem itself after a poor showing in the first ODI.

In the second game, Pakistan’s openers chased down the target without exposing the middle order to pressure. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani could be pivotal in exploiting the predicted overcast conditions to trouble Pakistan’s top order.

Zimbabwe's Sean Williams in action during the second ODI against Pakistan in Bulawayo.Facebook/ZimbabweCricket1992

Zimbabwe’s batting, on the other hand, remains a concern. While several batters got starts in both ODIs, none managed to convert them into significant contributions. To challenge Pakistan in the decider, Zimbabwe will need one or more batters to anchor the innings and post a substantial total.

The stage is set for a thrilling contest in Bulawayo, where tactical execution, adaptability to conditions, and individual brilliance will likely determine the outcome of the series.