Predicting Pakistan’s Playing XI for their first ODI against Zimbabwe

After a mixed outing against Australia, Pakistan is set to face Zimbabwe in the first ODI of their 3-match series on November 24 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Despite missing their talismanic batter Babar Azam, Pakistan remains a formidable side, especially with their potent bowling lineup.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, on their home turf, aims to leverage the conditions to test Pakistan’s depth and resilience. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, this series serves as a crucial stepping stone for Pakistan, while Zimbabwe sees it as a platform to enhance its international cricket stature.

Top Order: Shafique, Ayub, and Akram to Set the Tone

Abdullah Shafique is expected to anchor the innings at the top, bringing his composed temperament to navigate Zimbabwe’s seam-heavy attack. Saim Ayub, known for his fearless stroke play, is likely to complement Shafique, creating a balanced opening partnership.

Faisal Akram, a rising left-arm wrist-spinner, could be a wildcard pick, not only as a bowler but potentially as a versatile batting option. This top-order trio holds the key to providing Pakistan with a solid foundation against Zimbabwe’s swing-friendly conditions.

Middle Order: Rizwan’s Leadership and Young Talent

Mohammad Rizwan, stepping in as captain and wicketkeeper, will be the linchpin of Pakistan’s middle order. With over 1,000 ODI runs since 2023, Rizwan’s form is vital to Pakistan’s success. Ahmed Daniyal, making strides as a dependable middle-order batter, and Kamran Ghulam, known for his consistency in domestic cricket, add further stability. This combination promises to bridge the gap between Pakistan’s top and lower orders.

Lower Middle Order: All-Round Utility in Focus

Salman Ali Agha brings his all-around capabilities to bolster the lower middle order, offering crucial overs with the ball and reliable batting depth. Irfan Khan, a dynamic player, adds versatility with his aggressive batting and part-time off-spin. Mohammad Hasnain, remembered for his five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe, is expected to provide a finishing flourish with the bat while spearheading the pace attack.

Tailenders: Pace Power with Dahani and Rauf

Shahnawaz Dahani and Haris Rauf form a lethal tailend duo, with their bowling firepower set to challenge Zimbabwe’s batters. Rauf, with 50 wickets in just 25 ODIs, is Pakistan’s strike bowler, while Dahani’s ability to extract bounce and seam movement will make him a key asset in Bulawayo. Their contributions will be crucial in restricting Zimbabwe to manageable totals.

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