The 1st T20 match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe is scheduled to take place on December 1, 2024, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The game will be the first of three T20 Internationals in the series.
Teams Overview
Pakistan
Pakistan is coming off a successful ODI series against Australia, winning 2-1. The team boasts a strong lineup with experienced players and promising young talent. Key players include Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has been in excellent form in T20 cricket, winning their last five completed fixtures. They are currently ranked 12th on the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings1. Key players include Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Craig Ervine (captain), and Sean Williams.
Key Players
Pakistan
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain): A reliable wicketkeeper-batsman known for his consistency.
- Abdullah Shafique: A promising young opener with a solid technique.
- Haris Rauf: A pace bowler with the ability to take early wickets.
- Saim Ayub: A talented young batsman who can play aggressive shots.
- Mohammad Hasnain: A fast bowler with raw pace and potential.
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza: An all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Blessing Muzarabani: An experienced fast bowler who has been in great form.
- Craig Ervine (Captain): A dependable top-order batsman and leader of the team.
- Sean Williams: An experienced all-rounder who can anchor the innings and provide crucial overs.
Head-to-Head
Pakistan and Zimbabwe have faced each other in 15 T20 matches so far. Pakistan has won 10 games, while Zimbabwe has won five. Pakistan currently leads the head-to-head record.
Probable playing XI
Pakistan
- Salman Agha (Captain)
- Haseebullah Khan
- Irfan Khan
- Omair Yousuf
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Tayyab Tahir
- Usman Khan
- Jahandad Khan
- Qasim Akram
- Abbas Afridi
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Arafat Minhas
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Sufiyan Muqeem
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza (Captain)
- Craig Ervine
- Sean Williams
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Trevor Gwandu
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Richard Ngarava
- Luke Jongwe
- Wesley Madhevere
- Regis Chakabva
- Timycen Maruma
- Donald Tiripano
- Peter Moor
- Bradley Wadlan
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report
Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is known for its batting-friendly pitch, especially in T20 matches. The surface offers a good pace and bounce, which can favour both batsmen and bowlers. The average score at this venue is around 160-170, and the team batting first has a slight advantage.
Probable Scenarios
- Pakistan Dominates: Given their recent form and strong lineup, Pakistan could dominate the match.
- Zimbabwe Bounces Back: Zimbabwe could leverage their home advantage and recent success to put up a strong fight.
- Close Contest: With both teams having their strengths, the match could be a closely contested affair.
Match Predictions
Pakistan is the favourite to win the 1st T20 match, given their recent form and strong lineup. However, Zimbabwe will be looking to capitalize on its home advantage and recent success in challenging Pakistan.
