Pakistan looks to bounce back after stunning Zimbabwe defeat

After a surprising 80-run loss via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the first ODI, Pakistan will aim to level the three-match series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

The visitors, outclassed in the opening game at the Queens Sports Club, have significant adjustments to make as Zimbabwe capitalizes on home advantage and spirited performances.

In the first match, Zimbabwe overcame a precarious 125-7 thanks to a resilient 62-run partnership between Sikandar Raza (39) and Richard Ngarava (48). Their fightback helped Zimbabwe post a competitive total of 205 despite being bowled out with nine overs left.

Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged his side’s shortcomings, emphasizing how Zimbabwe exploited their experience.

"We leaked runs at the end, and experience of Sikandar Raza made the difference with the bat," Rizwan admitted in the post-match presentation.

Pakistan’s batting fell apart under pressure, collapsing to 60-6 in 21 overs before rain halted proceedings.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, coming off a successful Australian tour, fell cheaply to Blessing Muzarabani. Rizwan top-scored with 19 not out, while the rest failed to make an impact.

The Pakistan captain expressed disappointment with the team’s inability to handle pressure.

“They put us under pressure and we couldn’t handle that,” Rizwan said. “The likes of Muzarabani can put you in pressure in any type of conditions.”

Changes for second ODI

The sluggish surface in Bulawayo heavily favored spinners, who claimed 10 of the 16 wickets that fell.

Pakistan’s pace attack, featuring Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf, struggled to adapt, collectively conceding 121 runs for just three wickets in 21.2 overs.

On the other hand, debutant left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram impressed with 3-24, supported by Salman Ali Agha's 3-42. These performances may prompt the inclusion of Abrar Ahmed in the second ODI. However, accommodating Abrar could mean sacrificing either a pacer or a batter, a tough decision given Pakistan’s batting woes.

Zimbabwe’s spinners, Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, complemented Muzarabani’s opening burst by dismantling Pakistan’s middle order.

Haseebullah Khan endured a dismal outing with a duck and could make way for Tayyab Tahir, a proven performer against spin and the third-highest scorer in the recent One-Day Champions Cup with 249 runs. This adjustment could bolster Pakistan’s middle order.

While Zimbabwe enters the second ODI brimming with confidence, Pakistan must regroup quickly. A loss for Pakistan would hand Zimbabwe the series, a result the visitors cannot afford as they look to build momentum ahead of bigger challenges.

Zimbabwe, buoyed by their first-match heroics, will aim to capitalize on their home conditions and Pakistan’s vulnerabilities. They are unlikely to make any changes. If their batters can convert starts into substantial contributions and their bowlers maintain their discipline, Zimbabwe has a strong chance to seal the series.