Pakistan will look to clinch third ODI and Series as they face Zimbabwe. The visitors comprehensively defeated Zimbabwe by ten wickets in the second One Day International (ODI), leveling the series 1-1 at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Saim Ayub emerged as the standout performer, smashing the fastest ODI hundred by a Pakistani batsman (excluding Shahid Afridi) in just 53 balls. His explosive innings, alongside Abdullah Shafique’s steady 32, helped Pakistan chase down Zimbabwe’s modest total of 145 with a staggering 32 overs to spare.
Earlier, Pakistan’s spin attack dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Debutant Abrar Ahmed was particularly impressive, claiming 4 wickets for 33 runs. Salman Agha complemented him with 3 crucial wickets, restricting Zimbabwe to a low score after they won the toss and elected to bat.
Dion Myers top-scored for Zimbabwe with 33 runs, but the team struggled to build substantial partnerships. The batting collapse was stark, with the last five wickets falling for just 24 runs.
PAK vs ZIM Team Analysis
Pakistan
Mohammad Rizwan shoulders the critical responsibility of leading the team’s charge against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe
Craig Ervine will be leading Zimbabwe in the third game.
Also read: Virat Kohli’s last Australia tour confirmed as team India lands in Adelaide
PAK vs ZIM Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
The third ODI match in the series PAK v ZIM will take place at the Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo. Something for everyone in Bulawayo Zimbabwe decks.
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 opted to rest key players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam for Pak vs Zim series, providing an opportunity for others to step up. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will field their strongest available squad, aiming to capitalize on the absence of Pakistan’s star performers.
Tactical Acumen
Pakistan
The team will lean on Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain’s pace to unsettle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Zimbabwe
Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will be crucial balling to look for any openings they get into Pakistan’s top-order play.
PAK vs ZIM Match Prediction- 3rd ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
PAK vs ZIM Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| PAK | 280-300 | 200-220 |
| ZIM | 190-210 | 200-220 |
PAK vs ZIM Key Players
PAK: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Abrar Ahmed, 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 Abrar Ahmed
Who will pick the most wickets for ZIM in the match: Blessing Muzarbani or Richard Ngarava
Conclusion – Who will win the match?
Pakistan starts the third PAK vs ZIM ODI of the series in red-hot form, with a solid opening partnership of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub providing stability at the top. Haris Rauf’s fiery bowling has been unstoppable even in challenging conditions such as Australia and adds a lethal edge to their attack.
Zimbabwe can play on home advantage and confidence, but Pakistan’s overall strength and dominance in recent matches make them strong favorites to clinch victory and seal the series.