Zimbabwe look to prove credentials against big guns

Match facts

September 8, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Start time 0930 (0730GMT)

The Big Picture

Zimbabwe return to the format they are most comfortable with, after a Test match that would have left them feeling exposed. This will be their biggest test in limited-overs cricket since the tri-series against India and Sri Lanka last year, and they will want to use it as an opportunity to show their proficiency against teams regarded as tougher opposition than the likes of Bangladesh, Kenya and Ireland.

As a unit, they have progressed and looked set to whitewash Bangladesh in the recently concluded one-dayers, after easing to two wins in Harare. But Bangladesh fought back hard in the third match and, although they lost that match and the series, put Zimbabwe under pressure in Bulawayo. The hosts did not respond to in the way they would have liked to, losing both matches there.

Some have suggested that the Queens Sports Club is jinxed for the local team. Brendan Taylor was having none of the conspiracy theories though, and said the hosts only have themselves to blame for the poor showing so far and that he would like them to change their record the venue.

Pakistan's returns in ODI cricket have been solid since their showing at the World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals. They beat West Indies in a five-match series, although they lost two dead-rubbers, and also beat Ireland in a two-match tourney. They would be unhappy with anything less than a win here.

The visitors are keen to experiment with different combinations and have made it clear that they will allow everyone in the squad to get a game. It is a way of testing their fringe talent, an important goal for the team going forward, as they do so without the services of coach Waqar Younis. Waqar is on his last assignment, and will want to end this tenure on a high note.

Form guide (most recent first)

Zimbabwe LLWWW
Pakistan WWLLW

In the spotlight

The spotlight belonged to his new-ball partner Brian Vitori in the series against Bangladesh, but Kyle Jarvishas been plugging away quietly, and was the most successful seamer in the Test match against Pakistan. Jarvis is undoubtedly the quickest of the Zimbabwe pacemen, and extracts good bounce and movement from the pitch. He is disciplined and accurate, and has earned high prias from the convenor of selectors, Alistair Campbell, and the coach, Alan Butcher, being termed the man who will lead Zimbabwe's attack going forward.

After two disappointing scores on a flat pitch in the Test match Taufeeq Umar will want to show that he is not the weak link for Pakistan. Taufeeq has had a bad year so far, scoring a highest of 31 in three matches, with an ODI record that is in need of improvement overall. He faces serious challenges from some of the other batsmen in the set-up and, if he hopes to continue to be at the forefront of the selectors minds, will have to have to better his showing in Zimbabwe.

Team news

Zimbabwe may introduce a fresh face for the one-day series in middle-order batsman Regis Chakabva. The No. 5 spot will still be contested between Forster Mutizwa and Craig Ervine, neither of whom made a convincing enough case for themselves in the Bangladesh series. Elton Chigumbura's knee injury keeps him out of the squad and Malcolm Waller will likely be given the allrounder's role. Prosper Utseya will be the second spinner to Ray Price,while one of the quicks, most likely Brian Vitori, who was unsuccessful on this pitch, will be rested.

Zimbabwe: (probable) 1 Brendan Taylor, 2 Vusi Sibanda, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Tatenda Taibu, 5 Forster Mutizwa/Craig Ervine, 6 Regis Chakabva, 7 Malcolm Waller, 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Ray Price, 10 Kyle Jarvis, 11 Chris Mpofu.

With Imran Farhat back in the mix, Pakistan may consider opening with him instead of Taufeeq Umar. Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali are in contention for the No. 3 spot, but Asad may trump Azhar, courtesy better strike-rate. Should Farhat not play, Rameez Raja could come in as an additional spinner, to partner Saeed Ajmal. The offspin of Mohammad Hafeez will also come in handy. Junaid Khan will likely keep his place and Sohail Tanvir should get a chance as well, after being surprisingly left out of the Test match.

Pakistan: (probable) 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Taufeeq Umar/Imran Farhat, 3 Asad Shafiq, 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq, 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Adnan Akmal, 8 Junaid Khan, 9 Rameez Raja, 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Sohail Tanvir.

Pitch and conditions

Bulawayo has heated up beautifully and summer has come a few weeks early. Temperatures are topping 30 degrees Celsius, which means the pitch will dry out quickly. The grass covering on the Test track couldn't prevent it from breaking up, and Vusi Sibanda reported cracks as early as day one. The strip has always been favourable to spinners and is expected to be the same for the ODI. It should remain a good surface for batting as well, but the seam bowlers will have to work hard if they are to get any reward.

Stats and trivia

• Zimbabwe have lost seven out of nine ODIs played in Bulawayo since August 2009
• Misbah-ul-Haq has captained Pakistan in three ODIs so far, with a 100% win record

Quotes

"We would expect the attitude to be as positive as it was going into the Test match. We want to let Pakistan know that they are in for a good game of cricket."
Zimbabwe coach Alan Butcher wants the team to lift themselves for the limited-overs series

"We came with a lot of youngsters and everyone must get a chance to play. But our goal still is to win."
Misbah-ul-Haq says Pakistan will not sacrifice victory for the sake of experimentation

Published by Unknown on 05:38. Filed under Breaking News, Feature, Pakistan, Zimbabwe . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0