With the series in the bag, Pakistan will look to go all out for a clean sweep against Zimbabwe in the third T20. Will Pakistan succeed in it or will Zimbabwe ruin it?
In the second T20, Zimbabwe was put to bat once again and the visitors could muster only 134. The son of the legendary spinner, Abdul Qadir, Usman Qadir grabbed three wickets along with Haris Rauf who also scalped three wickets. Haider Ali, on the other hand, smashed a quick 66 runs while skipper Babar Azam scored his second consecutive fifty off just 27 balls as Pakistan won easily with 29 balls to spare.
Team News
Pakistan's only major worry would be the form of Fakhar Zaman. Though he was the leading run-scorer in the recently-concluded National T20 Cup, he has failed to be consistent. He has crossed 25 runs only once in his last 16 matches. The hosts can give a chance to Mohammad Musa and try to accommodate Rohail Nazir, the former Under-19 captain in the team. Having lost the series, Zimbabwe can afford to experiment and try to bat second. They would look to give a perfect parting gift to Elton Chigumbura who will hang his boots post the completion of the series.
Pitch and Conditions
With the pitches being dry and flat, the conditions are expected to remain the same. Rain is not expected to affect the match.
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (capt), Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez/Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan/Rohail Nazir (wk), Khushdil Shah, Imad Wasim/Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Musa, Mohammad Hasnain.
Zimbabwe: Chamu Chibhabha (capt), Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Carl Mumba, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
Key Battles
Babar Azam vs Blessing Muzarabani
Azam once again failed to finish off the chase as Muzarabani dismissed him when he was well set at 51. With his express speed, lateral movement, and towering presence, Muzarabani was the only one to pick wickets for his side in the last match.
Wesley Madhevere vs Usman Qadir
The 20-year-old smashed 24 runs before Qadir dismissed him leg before wicket. Qadir who had shifted base to Australia in the hope to represent them at the highest level of the game can become a force to reckon for Pakistan in the future with his raw talent and wicket-taking ability. The selectors need to back him strongly.
Prediction
Zimbabwe have not shown any signs of competitiveness in the T20's when compared to the ODI's. Pakistan will look to avoid complacency which affected them in the 3rd ODI. Expect another comprehensive victory for the hosts unless Zimbabwe pulls out something special.
Cricwizz predicts Pakistan to win the match and win the series.
Featured Image Credits: ICC
