ZIM vs PAK 1st ODI Match Prediction [@ICC/x.com]
It’s game time in Bulawayo as Zimbabwe takes on Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series at Queens Sports Club on Sunday, November 24. With both teams raring to go, this match is shaping up to be a cracker of a contest.
Pakistan
Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, is flying high after taking down Australia 2-1 in their last ODI series. Even without big guns like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, the Men in Green are looking solid. With players like Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, and Agha Salman in the mix, Pakistan has the depth to boss this game. They’ve got the form, the confidence, and the firepower to make life tough for the hosts as they aim to kick-off the series with a win.
Zimbabwe
On the other hand, Craig Ervine captained Zimbabwe will be ready to give it their all. Sikandar Raza is in the form of his life after smashing a jaw-dropping 133* off 43 balls recently, and the return of Sean Williams adds that much-needed experience. Zimbabwe has had a good run in the ICC T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier, and they’ll want to keep that momentum going. They know they’re the underdogs, but they’ve got the fight in them to pull off an upset.
ZIM vs PAK Head-to-Head Records
Categories | Zimbabwe | Pakistan |
---|---|---|
Matches Played | 62 | 62 |
Matches Won | 5 | 54 |
Matches Lost | 54 | 5 |
No Result | 2 | 2 |
Tied | 1 | 1 |
How Will the Queens Sports Club Pitch Behave?
The Bulawayo pitch is going to keep everyone guessing. Early on, the quicks will have a field day with swing and seam on offer. But as the day goes on and the pitch dries up, it’ll turn into a belter for the batters. Spinners might get a bit of help in the middle overs, but the key for bowlers will be hitting those hard lengths and mixing it up with cutters when the ball gets older. The stats here show chasing teams having the upper hand, which is why the captain winning the toss is likely to field first.
Players To Watch Out For In ZIM vs PAK 1st ODI
Zimbabwe
Sean Williams
Sean Williams has been in sensational form, scoring 384 runs in his last 4 matches at an average of 96 and a strike rate of 138.62. His ability to dominate bowlers makes him a key asset for Zimbabwe.
Joylord Gumbie
Joylord Gumbie has accumulated 263 runs in his last 9 matches at an average of 29.22 and a strike rate of 66.92. His steady approach will anchor the innings for Zimbabwe.
Richard Ngarava
Richard Ngarava has taken 15 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 4.87 and a strike rate of 24.33. His accuracy and wicket-taking ability will be crucial for Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
Blessing Muzarabani
Blessing Muzarabani has claimed 9 wickets in his last 8 matches at an economy of 4.83 and a strike rate of 46. His tall frame and ability to extract bounce make him a potent threat.
Pakistan
Abdullah Shafique
Abdullah Shafique has scored 336 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 37.33 and a strike rate of 82.96. His technique and consistency at the top will be critical for Pakistan.
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan has amassed 270 runs in his last 10 matches at an impressive average of 45 and a strike rate of 85.44. His ability to rotate strike and play under pressure makes him indispensable.
Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf has been Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking 21 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 6.5 and a strike rate of 24. In Shaheen’s absence, he will lead Pakistan’s attack.
Mohammad Hasnain
Mohammad Hasnain has taken 3 wickets in his last 3 matches at an economy of 5.06 and a strike rate of 40.33. While his recent numbers are modest, his pace and control make him a valuable option for Pakistan.
Today's Match Prediction: ZIM vs PAK 1st ODI
Predicted Top Performers
Zimbabwe– Sean Williams, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Pakistan– Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf
BH-W vs MS-W: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 230-250
Predicted second innings score: 235-255