Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Pakistan and Zimbabwe have competed in 48 matches against one another; Pakistan have triumphed by winning 38 while Zimbabwe have only managed four victories.

The inaugural one-day international between Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard was an exhilarating affair. Despite an early innings collapse from Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava, they ensured that this contest would not come to an abrupt halt.

Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

Zimbabwe cricket team is an associate member of the International Cricket Council with Test and one-day international status, competing in every ICC World Cup since 1983 – although never making it beyond group stage despite producing many excellent cricketers including batsmen like Andy Flower, Heath Streak, Ray Price etc.

Zimbabwe, then known as Rhodesia, first began playing cricket during the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, visiting teams regularly played cricket here. Following independence in 1980 and joining the International Cricket Council (ICC), Zimbabwe competed in its inaugural World Cup tournament that year; though they struggled at making an impression at that tournament; but they managed to surprise many by beating Australia!

Zimbabwe saw their fortunes decline significantly at subsequent World Cup tournaments due to losing key players such as captain and all-rounder Heath Streak in protest of President Robert Mugabe’s regime, leaving only inexperienced youngsters available for selection.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced in 2006 that they were suspending Test matches for the remainder of 2006 due to concerns that Zimbabwe Cricket’s standard of play would deteriorate to such an extent that matches would no longer be appealing and potentially damage international perceptions of cricket as an activity.

ZC continued hosting ODI and T20 series against Full Member nations despite this, participating in the 2014 World T20 but being eliminated in the first round by Netherlands.

Zimbabwe was embroiled in a major scandal during the 2015 World Cup when Irish batsman John Mooney caught Sean Williams in a close run chase and was disallowed based on video replays showing that Mooney’s foot did not touch the boundary line – an incident which created considerable uproar among fans who saw this decision as being biased and perceived it to be unjustified.

Schedule

Zimbabwe will host Pakistan in a three-match T20 series starting October 29. This contest is an essential element of both nations’ preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup; and will provide Zimbabwe a boost following their one-off Test win over Afghanistan; on the other side Afghanistan are determined to put behind them their recent Test setback and demonstrate their dominance once more over this format of cricket.

Zimbabwe’s squad boasts an eclectic blend of experienced campaigners and emerging youngsters that helped secure T20 World Cup qualification earlier this year. Raza will lead with both bat and ball, while opener Brian Bennett remains an effective threat. Additionally, leg-spinner Graeme Cremer and Blessing Muzarabani both possess considerable control and penetration which should prove pivotal during an innings.

Zimbabwe cricket experienced significant turmoil during the early 2000s. Many top players left to seek political asylum abroad, while player revolts caused by former captain Heath Streak’s dismissal weakened their side and they were eventually forced out of Test cricket for seven years, after which their results only worsened further upon return.

Zimbabwe was left embarrassed when in June 2012’s T20I match against Ireland, Sean Williams was controversially dismissed for no-ball off John Mooney after replays showed his foot did not touch the boundary line. This scandal caused great embarrassment to Zimbabwe, leading to them losing an opportunity they could have had.

Zimbabwe began 2018 strong by winning three T20I matches against Sri Lanka 2-1 and then, during an unofficial triangular tournament with South Africa and Bangladesh, won their first two matches before narrowly losing in the final. Zimbabwe’s win over Bangladesh marked their inaugural win since returning as full members of the ICC.

Predictions

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe hosts the inaugural three-match T20I series. At Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, this venue typically provides an even contest between bat and ball; fast bowlers may find some swing and seam movement early on while batters enjoy even bounce and quick outfield conditions. Spinners can also gain assistance from its surface, making this venue suitable for teams chasing.

Zimbabwe entered this match off a victory against Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, led by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 74 off 41 balls while Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani all made contributions as well. Zimbabwe bowlers were led by Richard Ngarava who took three wickets as Namibia were limited to only 167/6 overs.

Visitors India have had limited success in T20 Internationals of late. They lost to Bangladesh 3-1 in their previous series and won only two of five T20Is between them since. Ultimately they hope this series against a full member of the ICC may change their fortunes.

Both teams boast an experienced and talented squad. Sikandar Raza, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran have shown impressive form with the bat, while Afghanistan’s spin trio of Darwish Rasooli, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai will pose a formidable threat with the ball.

It appears the odds on this matchup are tight, yet I lean toward Zimbabwe winning comfortably. They are more familiar with conditions than Afghanistan and boast strong batsmen such as Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani are some of Zimbabwe’s premier bowling options so betting on either could pay dividends. But I recommend betting on Afghanistan instead as their superior credentials should ensure them victory here.

Betting odds

When betting on cricket, knowing the betting odds and their effect on game outcome is vitally important to establishing how much to bet and determining if you stand a chance of success. Betting odds are determined based on factors including previous team records and one-to-one competition as well as current form.

Both teams will aim for victory in this match-up, and the victor will be determined by which side can score more runs during their opening innings; typically at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo this number hovers around 154 runs.

Pakistan have an opportunity to make their mark in this series after falling to Zimbabwe in their previous match, as they look to improve their batting performance which has been an area of weakness for them. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have struggled recently and hope this match can turn around their fortunes.

Pakistan are currently level on points with Zimbabwe and will likely be favorites to win this game. Pakistani bowlers were stellar during the last ODI series against Zimbabwe, so they will hope for similar results when taking on Zimbabwe in this one. Pakistan will look to win the toss and bowl first to restrict Zimbabwe to a low total.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will aim to score more runs than Pakistan. Led by Craig Ervine and counting on Dion Myers and Brian Bennett for support at the top, Zimbabwe hopes to claim victory against its arch-rival.

Pakistan are blessed with immense talent, but team management has chosen to rest some of their stars during this series to manage workloads and create depth for future series. This strategy will benefit them long term as it allows new talent to emerge while providing established players with an opportunity to prove themselves. Two fast bowlers who could potentially trouble Zimbabwe batters include Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf – two new additions who should help develop this team further.