Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 5th ODI – Pride at Stake for Zimbabwe in the Final ODI

Jul 22, 2018 at 10:38 AM

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Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 5th ODI – Pride at Stake for Zimbabwe in the Final ODI

Hosts Zimbabwe have pride at stake in the final One-day International against Pakistan, who have already sealed the series, to ensure they are spared the humiliation of a whitewash.

However, they have their task cut out. Pakistan have totally outplayed them in the series across departments. They are leading the series 4-0 and seemingly have nothing to lose from here. But the opportunity to do the sweep doesn’t come around too often, and that will serve as motivation for the final ODI.

For Zimbabwe, the onus will be on the bowlers to lead the charge for the final time in this series. Their batting needs drastic improvement as well. The highest score Zimbabwe have managed so far is the 194 in the second ODI.

Zimbabwe will need their batsmen to build partnerships and put a price on their wickets. If they can manage that, the hosts might just avoid the whitewash.

The team from the subcontinent will look to make a few changes and try out more combinations. Experienced all-rounder Shoaib Malik is likely to make way from Mohammad Hafeez. Hafeez has been a champion performer over the years and will look to make a mark.

Key Players

Donald Tiripano (Zimbabwe): Tiripano’s 71-ball 44 on Friday was one of the few highlights of the Zimbabwe innings. The right-arm pacer’s contribution with the bat showed that he is capable of making an impact in both departments, and the home side could use more of his skills in all areas.

Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan): The swashbuckling opener is in the form of his life. So far this series, he has registered scores of 60, 117*, 43* and 210*, and averages an eye-watering 430. He will look to finish the series on a high, however, Zimbabwe will be desperate to see him off early.

Top Five Fastest to Score Double Century in ODI
Getty

Exciting Battles

When it comes to comparing both the side, they stand poles apart. The visiting team has more talented cricketers in their line-up and are the reigning Champions Trophy winner.

However, there will be some exciting battles among the players from both the teams for the viewers on display.

Fakhar Zaman has been in the form of his life and everything he has touched has turned into gold. Zimbabwe’s main target will be to stop him from getting a start while Zaman will be keen to finish this series on a high. Blessing Muzarbani will have to take the onus and do the job for his team.

On the other hand, Hamilton Masakadza will face a stiff challenge from the Pakistani bowlers. Masakadza is a clean striker of the ball and will target spinner Shadab Khan.

Form guide

Zimbabwe LLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WWWWL

Facts and Figures

  • Zimbabwe have lost four of their last five games in this ground with one match ending in a tie. Overall, Zimbabwe have played 74 games in this ground losing 47 of those.
  • Pakistan have registered the highest ODI total in this ground in the last game. Another big score is on the cards considering if the visitor’s bat first.
  • Zimbabwe registered the lowest total of 67 runs which came in the third ODI of the ongoing series against Pakistan.

Pitch and conditions

The weather remains cool in Bulawayo, but the pitch has dried out since the first game, and another runfest could be on the cards, particularly if Pakistan bat first.

The temperatures will be ranging between 8 and 19°C. It will be overcast, but there is no forecast for rain.

Getty Images

Stats and trivia

  • Fakhar Zaman is 20 runs away from becoming fastest to reach 1000 runs in ODIs. If he does so tomorrow, he will have reached there in 18 innings. The fastest at present are five players who got there in 21 innings: Viv Richards, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Quinton de Kock and Babar Azam.

Where to Watch

Sony ESPN will telecast the match live from 12:45 PM IST. Furthermore, the live streaming of the match will be available on Sony Liv and Jio TV.

Predicted XI

The hosts don’t have many options who can come off the bench to change their fortunes. They have tried every combination but nothing has worked in their favour.

They may make a change or two, but a change in the result is unlikely to come by.

Zimbabwe: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Tarisai Musakanda, Ryan Murray (wk), Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Liam Roche, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarbani, Tendai Chisoro.

Benched: Richard Ngarava, Prince Masvaure, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha

Pakistan have played nearly all their batting reserves except Mohammad Hafeez and Harris Sohail. Furthermore, Mohammad Nawaz is the only bowler unused throughout the ODIs. Hafeez and Nawz can get a nod ahead for the final game.

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Asif Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Yasir Shah, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan.

Benched: Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali

Match Prediction

Pakistan is the dominant side by quite a margin among the two teams. They have an experienced line-up unlike the hosts, who are out of their first choice players.

The team from the subcontinent have more depth in their batting and is one of the best bowling units in the world currently. Moreover, they have also taken giant strides in the fielding department.

With 4-0 ahead in the series, Pakistan is likely to make a complete sweep in the series. However, an unlikely result will be the biggest upset of the year so far.

Also read: Australian cricketer loses five teeth in Magaluf Gang Attack

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