After winning the ODI series 2-1 against Australia, Pakistan’s revamped team is ready to face Zimbabwe in a three-match series, starting on November 24 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Pakistan will play this series without their regular captain, Babar Azam, who has taken a break ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. Mohammad Rizwan, who steps in as the captain, will lead an inexperienced yet promising squad for the Zimbabwe tour. Pakistan’s squad has a mix of youth and new faces, and they will be hoping to replicate their successful performance against Australia.
Historically, Pakistan has dominated Zimbabwe, and Rizwan will be eager to continue that trend in the series. With Babar absent, the batting lineup will have some new faces, with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique opening the innings. Kamran Ghulam will replace Babar at number three, followed by Rizwan at four. Agha Salman will bat at five, and Irfan Niazi will play at six.
Pakistan has also included several all-rounders in the squad, with Aamir Jamal, a right-arm pacer, expected to bat at seven. Jamal, known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, will add depth to the lower middle order.
Haris Rauf will spearhead the bowling attack and will be the key player in Pakistan’s bowling strategy. Mohammad Hasnain and Shahnawaz Dahani are likely to partner Rauf as the seamers. There could also be a surprise inclusion of mystery spinner Faisal Akram, who could be tested against Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Pakistan’s probable XI for the 1st ODI against Zimbabwe: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Agha Salman, Irfan Niazi, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Hasnain, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani.
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