Zimbabwe hosts Pakistan for a white-ball series, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is starting November 24. This is Pakistan’s first tour to Zimbabwe since 2021, where they swept both white-ball series.
Pakistan enters the contest after a mixed Australian tour where they clinched their first ODI series Down Under in 22 years (2-1) but suffered a 3-0 T20I whitewash
Zimbabwe arrives with momentum after dominating the T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier Group B. Captain Sikandar Raza starred with a record-breaking 133* off 43 balls which was Zimbabwe’s first T20I century in their 290-run victory over The Gambia.
Key squad changes see Sean Williams returning to Zimbabwe’s ODI setup after missing the Sri Lanka series due to injury, though he’s excluded from T20Is. ODI captain Craig Ervine also misses the T20I leg. Pakistan squad will see new faces with Mohammad Rizwan leading their batting charts.
PAK vs ZIM Team Analysis
Pakistan
Mohammad Rizwan will be leading Pakistan in the PAK vs ZIM match. The onus will be on Rizwan to lead the team from the front.
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine will be leading Zimbabwe in the first game.
Also read: IND vs AUS Match Preview- 1st Test, India tour of Australia 2024
PAK vs ZIM Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
The first ODI between PAK vs ZIM will be played at the Queen Sports Club in Bulawayo. The pitch in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe will offer something for everyone.
It is a solid, hard track that offers good bounce to the bowlers, and the batters enjoy the ball coming well onto the bat. The spinners too could be as effective for them, especially the middle overs-well timed to get them gripping the ball so well against the batters.
Form and Fitness
Pakistan have rested Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam for this series while Zimbabwe will have the best available players to choose from.
Tactical Acumen
Pakistan
Pakistan has a balanced lineup with in-form players. Their top order, featuring Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, has been reliable, while the middle order, led by Mohammad Rizwan adds stability.
The team will lean on Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain’s pace to unsettle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, playing at home will aim to use familiar conditions to their advantage. Much will depend on captain Craig Ervine and the experienced Sikandar Raza to anchor the innings and counter Pakistan’s strong bowling attack.
Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will be key with the ball and will try to exploit any weaknesses in Pakistan’s top order.
PAK vs ZIM Match Prediction- 1st ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
PAK vs ZIM Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| PAK | 220-250 | 200-220 |
| ZIM | 190-210 | 200-215 |
PAK vs ZIM Key Players
PAK: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain will be key players for Pakistan.
ZIM: Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava will be key players for Zimbabwe.
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for PAK in the match: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub
Who will score the most runs for ZIM in the match: Craig Ervine or Sikandar Raza
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for PAK in the match: Haris Rauf or Mohammad Hasnain
Who will pick the most wickets for ZIM in the match: Blessing Muzarbani or Richard Ngarava
Conclusion – Who will win the match?
Pakistan has been in great form in ODIs. The opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub has been solid, and Haris Rauf’s fiery bowling, which was unstoppable in Australia, adds to their strength.
Zimbabwe will have the advantage of playing at home, but it will be tough for them to slow down Pakistan, who are riding high on confidence.