Zimbabwe out to level things up with Pakistan in second ODI

ZIMBABWE will look to make amends for letting Pakistan off the hook in the opening One Day International on Friday, which the home team won by 26 runs when the two teams square off again in the second ODI at Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi.

A fine hundred by man of the match Brendan Taylor, his 11th in ODIs was not enough to win the contest for Zimbabwe. Taylor was complemented by youngster Wesley Madhevere who struck 55 off 61 balls, with the two putting on 119 for the fifth wicket, with their stand almost taking Zimbabwe over the line.

Zimbabwean bowlers had done a decent job, with one of the few things they failed to do on the day being to mop up the Pakistan tail, which managed to add some runs that proved crucial in the end.

The Pakistan bowlers on the other end were less generous with their seamers Shaheen Afridi and Wahab Riaz doing the damage with ball in hand. Afridi (5/49) and Riaz (4/41) had nine of the Zimbabwean wickets.

Zimbabwe have little time to ponder what could have gone wrong as the two teams clash again today. Stand in coach Douglas Hondo has to decide if he goes with the same bowling attack or make a change. Carl Mumba, while he broke the Pakistan opening stand when he had Abid Ali out leg before wicket, was expensive as he went at almost nine runs an over. Tendai Chatara if fit should be brought in for Mumba to complement the efforts of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava.

Another consideration is what to do with the opening pair of Brian Chari and interim limited overs captain Chamunorwa Chibhabha. The two failed to give Zimbabwe the impetus they needed in the run chase as they were both out by the fifth over.

A lot is at stake in this series since it is the pathway for the 2023 International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup so Zimbabwe have to go all out in search of a win.