Saim Ayub And...? 3 Pakistan Players To Watch Out For In 2nd T20I Vs Zimbabwe

Anurag Dasgupta

Saim Ayub is the one to watch out for [Source: @Mussskey/X.Com]Saim Ayub is the one to watch out for [Source: @Mussskey/X.Com]

After decimating the Zimbabwean side in the first T20I, the caravan now shifts towards the second game of the series which takes place on Tuesday, December 3 from the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

Barring the shock loss in the first ODI of the series, Pakistan have been brilliant throughout the tour as they have stamped their authority on the home team. In the first T20I, Pakistan batted first and scored 165/4, with contributions from the middle order. In reply, Zimbabwe were never really in the contest as they were restricted for just 108.

Ahead of the 2nd T20I, we look at 3 key players for Pakistan who can decide the fate of the contest.

3) Saim Ayub

24 off 18 balls, this was Saim Ayub's score in the first T20I of the series. He looked promising, but just couldn't get to a big total. The promising young batter has looked solid in the ODI format, but is yet to crack the test of T20Is.

With so many players knocking on the door, perhaps, it is time for Saim to press the accelerator and showcase his ability in the second T20I, and Tuesday could be his day as he looks to get back amongst run-scorers.

2) Tayyab Tahir

Pakistan in recent times have brought up some exciting talents in their team, and one of them is Tayyab Tahir. He impressed everyone in the domestic circuit and was excellent in the first T20I, scoring 39 off 25 balls as Pakistan reached a respectable total.

The visitors need firepower in the middle order and Tayyab can be that exciting option as he aims to continue the good work in the second match of the series Vs Zimbabwe. Tayyab has shown immense patience and will be a tough opponent for the Zimbabwean bowlers.

1) Haris Rauf

Ever since he came back to the white-ball squad, Haris Rauf has been almost unstoppable and has certainly been Pakistan's best limited-overs bowler. The speedster recently crossed Shadab Khan and became the Pakistan bowler with the most wickets in T20I format.

Throughout the tour, Zimbabwe batters struggle to cope with his sheer pace and they can once again be in trouble as the second T20I approaches.