Pakistan will look to seal the T20I series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Tuesday with a 57-run win in the first match.
Despite the semi-final collapse, a late strike by Taib Tahir and Irfan Khan took the Men in Green to a competitive 165, which was ultimately too much for the hosts.
The visitors’ bowlers, led by Sufiyan Muqim and Haris Rauf, then took advantage of their familiarity in the lower and middle order to dismantle the Zimbabwean batting line-up.
While Saim Ayyub’s coverage and aggressive start provided the early momentum, the visitors need more consistency from our middle order, especially captain Salman Ali Agha.
Here’s what you can expect from Pakistan’s playing 11 in the 2nd T2OI.
Pakistan team
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Saim Ayyub, Haris Rauf, Hasibullah (goalkeeper), Jahandod Khan, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Umair bin Yusuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzoda Farhan (goalkeeper), Sufyan Mukim, Tayib Tahir, Usman Khan (goalkeepers)
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Pakistan Playing 11 vs Zimbabwe – 2nd T2OI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Openers: Omair Yusuf, Saim Ayyub
Omair Yusuf and Saim Ayub are likely to retain their places as men’s players in green in the second T20I against Zimbabwe. The duo will try to provide a quick start in the second Yazd ODI.
While Yusuf managed 16 off 13 balls in the 1st T2OI, his intent and batting remains valuable, especially on batting-friendly pitches like Bulawayo.
Ayyub was aggressive, he hit 24 balls from 18 balls with two boundaries and a six. His ability to find gaps early and swing the bat effectively adds versatility to the top order.
Intermediate and all-rounders: Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Tayyib Tahir, Jahandod Khan
The middle order with Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Tayyib Tahir and Jehandod Khan will remain in it for the second T20I against Zimbabwe.
Wicketkeeper Usman Khan anchored the opening phase with 39 off 30 balls but fell at the crucial moment.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha failed to get going and managed just 13 balls off 19 balls, contributing to T2O exploits.
Tayyib Tahir and Irfan Khan were outstanding with an unbeaten partnership of 65 off just 34 deliveries.
Tahir’s 39 off 25 and Irfan’s 27 off 15 gave Pakistan the boost it needed.
Bowler: Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Horis Rauf, Sufyon Moqim, Abrar Ahmed
Pakistan’s bowling unit is likely to be Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqim and Abrar Ahmed.
Haris Rauf led the charge in the last over, conceding just 17 runs in his three innings at an economy rate of 5.70. The left-arm spinner Sufiyan Mukim impressed with his four-wicket magic, taking 3 for 20 and demolishing Zimbabwe’s lower order.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed gave a glimpse of his batting ability but was a bit expensive, conceding 28 runs in 3.3 overs. Abbas Afridi, on the other hand, remained frugal and bowled twice for just 12 runs.
