Pakistan won the toss and decided to field first against Zimbabwe in the first ODI at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club. The series serves as the first challenge for interim coach Aqib Javed. Pakistan recently achieved a 2-1 series victory over Australia, and this series will test their bench strength. Changes in the squad include the introduction of uncapped players while facing competitive past match history against Zimbabwe.
On Sunday, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This series marks Pakistan’s second ODI assignment this month, following a notable 2-1 series victory over Australia. Interim white-ball head coach Aqib Javed is making his debut in this position during this series, having been appointed to guide the team until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan.
Led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistan squad had arrived in Zimbabwe and engaged in three rigorous practice sessions to prepare for the series. Notably, the team witnessed several changes with the inclusion of uncapped players like Abrar Ahmed and Ahmed Daniyal, alongside Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir, replacing established players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Amid the ongoing series, Rizwan expressed the importance of evaluating the squad’s depth while maintaining momentum from their recent successes.
The last encounter between the two teams in ODIs occurred in November 2020, where Pakistan emerged victorious with a 2-1 series win. In previous visits, Pakistan had previously whitewashed Zimbabwe in a five-match ODI series in July 2018. The ODI series will be followed by a T20I series, also hosted at the Queens Sports Club.
The current ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe is of significant importance as it serves as the first fixture for the newly appointed interim head coach Aqib Javed. This series provides an opportunity for Pakistan to assess its bench strength ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The green shirts are coming off a successful tour in Australia, where they attained a pivotal 2-1 series victory. The historical context of previous encounters between Pakistan and Zimbabwe further underscores the competitive nature of this series, making it critical for both teams to establish their prowess.
In conclusion, the ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe represents a vital opportunity for the Pakistan cricket team to solidify its newly adopted strategies under interim coach Aqib Javed. With significant changes in the squad, the series will serve as a platform to evaluate emerging players and sustain the winning momentum established during the Australia tour. As both teams engage in a competitive spirit, the outcomes of these matches will also set the tone for future international cricket engagements leading to the ICC Champions Trophy.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
