Pakistan looks to fine-tune ODI squad against Zimbabwe ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan will face Zimbabwe in the first ODI of a three-match series on Sunday at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Following the ODIs on November 26 and 28, both teams will clash in a T20I series scheduled for December 1, 3, and 5.

Pakistan recently appointed Aaqib Javed as the interim white-ball coach. Speaking before departing for Zimbabwe, Javed emphasized the team's focus on ODIs, particularly in crafting a consistent lineup for the Champions Trophy.

"Our main focus at the moment is on ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy," Javed said. "You'll see a settled team in this format. You'll see changes in the T20I format. We plan to give new players chances in the Zimbabwe series. It is a message and opportunity to the new players to take the chances they've been given.”

Batting order shuffle

Pakistan arrives in Zimbabwe buoyed by a 2-1 series win over Australia. However, they have rested star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Despite these omissions, Javed indicated minimal changes to the ODI framework.

The opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, who impressed in Australia, is expected to continue. With Babar unavailable, Kamran Ghulam might shift from his number five role to bat at one-down. Another potential candidate for the number three spot is Tayyab Tahir, who recently scored 249 runs in the One-Day Champions Cup, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer.

Pakistan Shaheens' Tayyab Tahir scored a century against India A during the final of the ACC Emerging Men's Cup in Colombo in 2023.Sri Lanka Cricket

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan has opted to play this series, batting at number four, while vice-captain Salman Ali Agha will likely follow at number five.

Young all-rounder Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi, who showed promise in the T20Is against Australia, is a candidate for the number six slot. His ability to score quickly, highlighted by a recent 56-ball century in domestic cricket, provides firepower in the middle order.

Bowling strategy

While Pakistan relied on pace-heavy tactics in Australia, the conditions in Bulawayo may demand a spin-friendly approach. The ground hosted ODI World Cup Qualifiers in July 2023, where Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana thrived. Pakistan, too, might lean on their spinners, especially with Shadab Khan out of favor.

Left-arm spinner Faisal Akram and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed are in contention for the playing XI. Pakistan may field both alongside pace spearheads Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.

Aamer Jamal, who excelled against Zimbabwe A last year with 16 wickets in six List A matches, could provide additional seam support. Alternatively, Shahnawaz Dahani, who also enjoyed success on the same Zimbabwe tour (13 wickets in six matches), may be considered if the team opts for an extra pacer.

Pakistan's Shahnawaz Dahani bowls as India's Virat Kohli looks on during the 2022 Asia Cup match in Dubai.AFP

Lahore Qalandars’ pacer Ahmed Daniyal, though part of the squad, is unlikely to feature in the first ODI but might get opportunities later in the series or the T20Is.

Zimbabwe’s new faces

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have included three uncapped players in their ODI squad: Trevor Gwandu, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Tinotenda Maposa. While Gwandu and Musekiwa have T20I experience, Maposa, a promising 21-year-old pacer, is yet to debut in international cricket.

The hosts will rely on the seasoned trio of Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams for stability. Selectors have also expressed confidence in young talents such as Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, and Dion Myers to deliver impactful performances.

David Mutendera, Zimbabwe’s convener of selectors, called the series "an important platform," highlighting the squad’s balance of experience and youthful energy.

With Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava leading the pace attack, Zimbabwe aims to keep Pakistan's batters under pressure.

For Pakistan, this series is a crucial step toward fine-tuning their ODI squad for the Champions Trophy, which they host next year in February. With around eight ODI matches left to experiment, Aqib Javed’s men will aim for both victories and clarity in team composition.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, sees this series as an opportunity to test new talent while relying on their experienced core to challenge the visitors. Playing at home, they will hope to exploit familiar conditions to their advantage.