Pakistan need top order to show spine

KARACHI: It’s easy for Pakistan to blame inclement weather in Zimbabwe for their loss in the second One-day International but the tourists shouldn’t forget their performance hasn’t been really up to the mark against a side that is considered among the weakest in the Test world.
After winning the ODI series opener comfortably, Pakistan allowed Zimbabwe to post a healthy total and then fumbled in the run-chase.
The net-result is that Zimbabwe are within striking distance of winning their first ODI series against a top-notch side since 2001 when they beat New Zealand.
Despite their loss in the second game, Pakistan will go into the series finale at the Harare Sports Club on Monday (today) as overwhelming favourites.
However, they will need to show some spine at the top of the order.
Pakistan have been consistent in both their successes and failures during their trip to Southern Africa. In every match their top order has failed, their lower middle has rallied, and their bowlers have kept them in the game. Their defeat on Saturday means Pakistan have slipped to No. 9 in the ODI rankings - if they had been No. 9 three days ago, they would not have qualified for the Champions Trophy.
Zimbabwe stuck with the same XI in the second ODI, but they face an enforced change in the series decider. Graeme Cremer’s ankle injury has all but ruled him out, and the most obvious replacement for him is legspinning allrounder Tino Mutumbodzi. Though he dropped a crucial catch, Mutumbodzi was generally an electric presence in the field and his run-out of Mohammad Hafeez was vital to Zimbabwe’s eventual success. While Hamilton Masakadza has looked out of sorts in this series, his place is probably still safe and the only other reserve batsman in the side is Malcolm Waller.
Pakistan’s changes for the second match didn’t quite work out - debutant Bilal Asif held his own with the ball without ever really threatening and was unconvincing with the bat, while Asad Shafiq was an anonymous presence. Given Imad Wasim’s current form with both bat and ball, Pakistan will want him back and the visitors may well revert to the XI that crushed Zimbabwe so effectively in the first match.
After a series of slow, low turners during this tour, the pitch used in the second ODI was more what one might term a good cricket wicket. With a little grass left on the track, Pakistan’s spinners weren’t quite as menacing but it still offered something to bowlers of all types and also made strokeplay a little easier. HSC head groundsman Fungai Shanganya will probably aim for something similar in the decider. Monday will definitely start off sunny and warm, and though there is no rain predicted, once the rainy season arrives in Zimbabwe one can never be quite sure when and where a thunderstorm will appear.
Teams (from)
Pakistan: Azhar Ali (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Rizwan, Immad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Asad Shafiq.
Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Hamilton Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Taurai Muzarabani, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Prosper Utseya, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.
Today’s match
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
12:30 pm PST