Zimbabwe look for fresh start in T-20 series (Preview)

After achieving a series triumph in both test and ODI series against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe have taken downhill route suffering four defeats consecutively. A loss in a solitary test match followed a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of visitors Pakistan.

A big gulf in terms of quality, skills and experience is there. The hosts haven’t been able to seize key moments and Pakistan, on the other hand, have come up with their best cricket when their backs were against the wall. That is why they have a clean sheet thus far on the tour. Zimbabwe have shown their talent albeit in patches and that has contributed to their losses big time. Brendan Taylor’s side has lacked consistently while, for Pakistan, players like Younis Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Aizaz Cheema and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq himself have performed match after match to puncture Zimbabwe’s hopes.

With test and ODI series lost, the hosts will be seeking a fresh start in two-match t-20 series that starts on Friday. More or less, the squad that played in ODI‘s same with only big change being return of experienced opener Charles Coventry. The nature of the format should make the home team feel confident about and believe they can script an upset against a well oiled Pakistan side. The demands of the format suit to Zimbabwe playing style where there is always an urge for a big shot.

In batting, again it will be likes of Tatenda Taibu, Taylor, Vusimuzi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza to shoulder the responsibilities. Apart from young fast bowling unit, Zimbabwe have two world class limited overs’ spinners in Ray Price and Prosper Utseya.

For Zimbabwe to give Pakistan run for their money, they need to get their basics right and make sure wickets are not thrown away after doing the hardwork. One message from team management to the boys will be to avoid batting collapses which we have seen aplenty against Pakistan so far.

The tourists are having a productive tour. Not only they have found a couple of good talents in Cheema and young leg-spinner Yasir Shah, the green shirts have been also able to derail Zimbabwe from comfortable positions on more than one occasion.

Time is ripe for Pakistan to test young batting sensation Rameez Raja. The left handed opener has been hogging the headlines for quite a while now for his big hitting prowess in domestic t-20 tournaments. The two-match series also gives an golden opportunity for former captain Shoaib Malik to hit some form for he hasn’t had a fruitful comeback in the ODI’s.

Pakistan will be wary that Zimbabwe’s biggest threat can come in this format. The weaker sides tend to like shorter versions of the game as it betters their chance to compete against the big boys. The Pakistan team management will be making sure complacency factor doesn’t creep into the set-up.

As of now Pakistan start as clear favourties for the fixture and will be keen to maintain clean sheet in t-20 series as well. Zimbabwe might well be egged by the fact that the series is their last at home this summer and a winning a game or two to round off the mixed season will surely do their confidence world of good for the future assignments.

Zimbabwe Squad: Brendan Taylor (c), Brian Vitori, Chamu Chibhabha, Christopher Mpofu, Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Kyle Jarvis, Malcolm Waller, Prosper Utseya, Ray Price, Regis Chakabva, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Vusimuzi Sibanda, Charles Coventry, Cephas Zhuwao.

Pakistan Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Taufiq Umar, Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Rameez Raja, Adnan Akmal (wk), Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Shah, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Shoaib Malik.