Zim seek batting fix in Chigumbura's curtain call

RESTRICTING the opposition to a below-par score, half-century from the skipper and hunting down the total with ease. Pakistan have played the template right down to the T in both T20Is. Having already pocketed the series, the hosts will look to complete a whitewash and thereby win their 14th successive T20 against Zimbabwe today when the two teams lock horns against each other in Rawalpindi.

The hosts haven't put a foot wrong this series. Haris Rauf didn't have a great start to his ODI career picking just one wicket in two matches but has shown his prowess in the last two outings over four overs. The right-arm pacer, who rose to fame with stellar performances in last year's Big Bash League, has accounted for Brendan Taylor in both the T20Is and has also scalped five wickets in total.

Another big positive for the home team in the previous match was Usman Qadir. The 27-yearold conceded a six off the very first ball but came back strongly. The batsmen found it hard to pick him and the wrist-spinner finished with impressive figures of 3-23.

The Pakistan batsmen haven't been tested enough. Babar Azam is in red-hot form with four consecutive 50+ scores (in ODIs and T20Is) against Zimbabwe. Young Haider Ali has exhibited his hitting skills with two fifties in three T20Is and there is the reliable-and-experienced Mohammad Hafeez in the middle order. Barring Fakhar Zaman's form, who is due for a big one, Pakistan have no major issues in the batting department.

For the visitors, their batsmen haven't posted enough on the board for their bowlers to defend. Skipper Chamu Chibhabha is badly out of form — he has managed to score just 34 runs in fives matches in this tour including two ducks. With Taylor not able to translate his ODI form in the shortest format, Zimbabwe have found themselves behind the eight ball right at the beginning in both the T20Is. Wesley Madhevere has been their best batter and the 20-year-old needs more support from his experienced team-mates for his side to be more competitive. To make matters worse, their bowling has looked toothless.

Zimbabwe, though, need not look too far to draw inspiration. They were 0-2 down in the three-match ODI series too before thrillingly winning the final match via a Super Over. The visitors have more than the proverbial pride to play for. Their former captain — Elton Chigumbura — will be playing his final match for his country and the Zimbabweans would be keen to give the 34-yearold allrounder a fitting farewell.

When: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I, 10:30 AM GMT / 3:30pm LOCAL

Where: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

What to expect: The weather should be clear for all day. While there could be some movement off the pitch at Rawalpindi for the seamers and spinners, it will still be a batting-friendly 22-yard strip.

Team News

Pakistan: The hosts played with the same XI in both their matches. Having won the series, they might be tempted to give a chance to their youngsters.

Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam(c), Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Wahab Riaz/Muhammad Musa, Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain/Shaheen Afridi

Zimbabwe:The visitors are not likely to change their batting line-up. However, Donald Tiripano who was brought in for the second T20I, proved to be expensive with the ball. Zimbabwe could replace him with either Carl Mumba or bring back Tendai Chatara.

Probable XI: Brendan Taylor (wk), Chamu Chibhabha (c), Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Carl Mumba/Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.