ZIM vs PAK T20I Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s 2nd T20I Match Between Zimbabwe And Pakistan?

ZIM vs PAK T20I Match Prediction [Source: @KarachiKingsARY/x.com]

Fans are in for another thrilling encounter as Zimbabwe takes on Pakistan in the second T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday, December 3 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. With Pakistan already leading the series 1-0, the Men in Green will aim to put the final nail in the coffin, while Zimbabwe will look to even the score and keep the series alive.

Zimbabwe

The first match was a tough pill to swallow for Zimbabwe. While their bowlers started with intent, they couldn’t stop Pakistan from posting a challenging 165/4. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani lacked discipline with the new ball, conceding runs at a dismal rate. Sikandar Raza, however, stood out with a miserly spell, bagging one wicket for just 14 runs in his four overs. Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl chipped in with a wicket each but leaked runs in the middle overs.

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe's batters had a night to forget. While Tadiwanashe Marumani (33) and skipper Sikandar Raza (39) tried to steady the ship, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled like a house of cards. Single-digit scores littered the scorecard as they folded for 108, handing Pakistan a comfortable 57-run victory. If Zimbabwe hopes to stay alive in the series, their batters need to bring their A-game.

Pakistan

On the other hand, Pakistan had plenty to smile about in the opening match. Openers Omair Yousuf and Saim Ayub got off to starts but failed to convert, falling for 16 and 24, respectively. Usman Khan and Tayyab Tahir led top-scored with 39 each, while Irfan Khan provided the late fireworks with a quickfire 27 off 15 balls. Despite skipper Agha Salman’s struggles (13 off 19), Pakistan posted a defendable total.

Their bowlers then put on a clinic. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem spun a web around the Zimbabwean batters, picking three wickets each. Haris Rauf turned on the heat with his pace as he grabbed two wickets to bundle out Zimbabwe for 108. With such a dominant performance, Pakistan will look to replicate their heroics and wrap up the series.

---

ALSO READ

ZIM vs PAK 2nd T20I Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

---

ZIM vs PAK Head-to-Head T20I Records

How Will the Queens Sports Club Pitch Behave?

The pitch at Bulawayo offered a bit of everything in the first game. While stroke-making was easier with the hard new ball, the surface slowed down as the innings progressed and gave spinners a significant edge. Batters will need to make the most of the powerplay as runs will be harder to come by later. Captains winning the toss might prefer to bat first and aim for a total above 150, which could prove to be a winning score.

Players To Watch Out For In ZIM vs PAK 2nd T20I

Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza has been in stellar form in recent days and he was at his absolute best during the last match where he top scored with the bat and was the pick of the bowlers with the ball. His all-round skills will once again be key for the hosts in the upcoming match.

Tadiwanashe Marumani

Tadiwanashe Marumani was brilliant in the first match, where he smashed 33 runs off just 20 balls with four fours and a six. Unfortunately, he failed to convert the start into a big score but he looked comfortable against Pakistan bowlers and his batting at the top will be crucial for Zimbabwe.

Richard Ngarava

Richard Ngarava picked up a solitary wicket in the last match and gave away 41 runs in his four overs. However, his ability to grab early breakthroughs with the new ball  cannot be understated. How he sets the tone with the new ball will very well decide the outcome of the match for the hosts.

Wellington Masakadza

Wellington Masakadza grabbed one wicket of Saim Ayub in the last match and conceded 23 runs in his three overs. His left-arm off-spin will be crucial for Zimbabwe in the middle overs as the surface is going to assist slow bowlers.

Pakistan

Usman Khan

Usman Khan has scored 156 runs in his last 9 matches at an average of 19.5 and a strike rate of 130. Known for his aggressive style, he can provide quick starts at the top of the order.

Irfan Khan

Irfan Khan has been effective in his last 4 matches as he has scored 74 runs at an impressive average of 37 and a strike rate of 139.62. His ability to score quickly in the middle order makes him a promising talent for Pakistan.

Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf has been a standout performer as he has snagged 19 wickets in 10 matches with an economy of 7.74 and an exceptional strike rate of 10.89. His ability to bowl at pace and take wickets in crucial moments makes him a match-winner.

Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed was brilliant in the last match where he bagged three wickets for 28 runs in 3.3 overs. He put on a show with the new ball and helped Pakistan get off to a brilliant start with the ball.

Today's Match Prediction: PAK vs ZIM 2nd T20I

Predicted Top Performers

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza
Pakistan: Usman Khan, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

ZIM vs PAK 2nd T20I: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 140-160
Predicted second innings score: 120-140

Predicted Result: The toss will be a big factor here, and the team batting first will likely have an edge in this match.

---

ALSO READ

ZIM vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report - Pakistan Tour Of Zimbabwe 2024, 2nd T20I

---