Zimbabwe hosts Pakistan in the third and last T20I in Bulawayo, looking to redeem themselves after being handed a series defeat.
The hosts, after being handed their lowest T20I total of 57 in the previous game, are under pressure to correct batting frailties to avoid a whitewash.
Despite promising starts in both games, Zimbabwe’s inability to build partnerships has left them exposed against Pakistan’s relentless attack.
Sufiyan Muqeem’s record-breaking 5 for 3 dismantled Zimbabwe in the second T20I, and the visitors’ bowling unit has stifled any resistance.
Hosts will rely on players like Sikandar Raza, who needs to anchor the innings, and Blessing Muzarabani, who must find his lost form with the ball.
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Zimbabwe Squad
Sikandar Raza (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande (wicket-keeper), Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicket-keeper), Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava
Zimbabwe Playing 11 vs Pakistan- 3rd T2OI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Openers: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani
Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani are expected to open for Chevron in the third T20I against Pakistan.
The duo was forceful in the second match in which Bennett, scored a flashy 21 off 14 deliveries, including three fours at an impressive strike rate of 150.
Marumani perfectly complemented him with his 16 off 14 overs at a strike rate of 114.28.
Their opening stand of 37 runs in just four overs was a rare positive for the hosts.
The two batsmen have, however, a lot of work to do as Chevron tries to avoid the whitewash.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (W), Wellington Masakadza
The middle order of Chevron, including Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, and Wellington Masakadza disappointed in the second T20I against Pakistan.
Despite an initial look from the openers, the middle order was never able to stabilize the innings under both spin and pace pressure.
Myers (3 off 11 balls) and Raza (3 off 4) got out cheaply, unable to rebuild after early breakthroughs.
Burl and Musekiwa added just one and zero runs respectively, both falling prey to Sufiyan Muqeem’s brilliance. Madande (9 off 16) showed brief resistance, while Masakadza managed just 3 off 7.
For the third T20I, this middle order will have to step up, especially against Pakistan’s spinners, who exploited their vulnerabilities quite effectively in the previous game.
Bowlers: Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brandon Mavuta
Chevron is likely to stick with the same bowlers for the second T20I, with Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani expected to spearhead the attack once again.