Pakistan enters the deciding third ODI against Zimbabwe on a high as the team comes in the match after a crushing ten-wicket victory in the second match.
Saim Ayub was the star as he hammered an unbeaten 113 off just 62 balls, the fastest by a PAK after Shahid Afridi. The crushing win leveled the series 1-1.
Visitors spinners set up the victory with a collapse of Zimbabwe who folded for 145 in 32.3 overs.
Debutant Abrar Ahmed was the hero with figures of 4 for 33 and Agha Salman got 3 for 26. Barring Dion Myers’ 33 and Sean Williams’ 31, Zimbabwean batters could hardly make a meaningful partnership.
In the chase, openers chased down the modest target quickly. Ayub’s aggressive stroke play and Abdullah Shafique’s steady 32* ensured Pakistan crossed the line with 32 overs to spare.
The bowling unit’s discipline and the batting order’s composure underline Pakistan’s superiority going into the decider.
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Pakistan squad
Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir.
Pakistan Playing 11 vs Zimbabwe- 3rd ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub
Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open for the Men in Green in the third ODI against Zimbabwe. They will look to do well and carry the momentum from the second ODI to the third ODI.
Both Openers will look to replicate their success on the Australia tour and provide a solid foundation for them in the 3rd ODI.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal
Men in green are expected to field a strong lineup for the third ODI against Zimbabwe. Key players like Kamran Ghulam, the experienced wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, and all-rounder Agha Salman are likely to feature.
Young talents like Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, and Aamer Jamal, who have impressed recently, are also expected to be part of the playing XI.
Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed
The Men in Green are expected to field a strong bowling attack for the third ODI against Zimbabwe.
The pace duo of Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram are likely to spearhead the attack, while the enigmatic spinner Abrar Ahmed is poised to continue his impressive form