Pakistan look to bounce back against Zimbabwe

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan finds itself in uncharted waters as they prepare for a must-win second ODI against Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Bulawayo. After a shocking 80-run defeat in the rain-hit series opener, the Greenshirts face the daunting prospect of losing their first-ever three-match ODI series to Zimbabwe—a team historically considered underdogs in this matchup.

Although Zimbabwe boasts notable victories over Pakistan, including a one-off ODI win in 1995, a ODI win in 2015, and a thrilling Super Over triumph in 2021, they have never managed to clinch a three-match ODI series. Sunday’s drubbing was a wake-up call for Pakistan, especially after their recent triumph against Australia on their home turf.

The pressure is mounting on newly appointed white-ball head coach Aaqib Javed, whose debut series has started on a sour note. Reports from Bulawayo suggest intense preparation by the Pakistan squad, with the batsmen dedicating Monday to optional training in a bid to adjust to spin-friendly conditions.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan stood out with an unbeaten knock in the first ODI, but the rest of the batting order faltered against Zimbabwean spinners Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, who ruthlessly exploited the visiting side’s vulnerabilities.

“Management is considering one or two changes in the batting line-up for the second ODI. We’ve never lost a three-match series to Zimbabwe, and the team is determined to turn things around,” a team official revealed.

Pace bowlers were rested on Monday, while batsmen utilized the training session to adapt to the conditions. Meanwhile, the management is mulling over the inclusion of an extra spinner, anticipating a pitch similar to Sunday’s spin-heavy surface.

Weather conditions could also play a role, with a forecast of possible late-afternoon showers on match day. “Weather predictions are always uncertain, but there’s a chance of rain,” an official said. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Pakistan aims to avoid an embarrassing series loss and salvage their reputation in what has become a critical encounter.

Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab Tahir

Zimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa and Trevor Gwandu.