The cricketing world’s attention turns to Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, where Pakistan and Zimbabwe are set to face off in the decisive third and final One-Day International (ODI) of their series. With each team having secured a win in the earlier matches, the series is finely poised, and the final game promises a thrilling contest for fans of both nations.
The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2024, with the action beginning at 12:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). As the captains prepare for the toss, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await what promises to be an intense battle for supremacy.
Injury Setbacks for Pakistan
In a blow to Pakistan’s lineup, fast bowlers Ahmed Daniyal and Shahnawaz Dahani have been ruled out of the final match. Both players sustained injuries during a training session on Sunday. Ahmed suffered a hamstring strain, while Dahani injured his left ankle. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the duo has returned to Lahore for rehabilitation under the supervision of the PCB medical team. Their recovery programs will follow strict protocols to ensure a safe and timely return to the game.
To address these absences, Abbas Afridi and Jahandad Khan have been called up to join the squad in Bulawayo. Both players are also part of Pakistan’s T20I squad for the series beginning on December 1 in the same city. Additionally, Aamir Jamal, who featured in the earlier ODIs, has been named as Ahmed Daniyal’s replacement for the T20I series.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad
The T20I squad for the upcoming series includes Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (Wicketkeeper), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.
Series Decider and Beyond
This final ODI holds significant importance for Pakistan as they aim to secure the series win after a fiercely competitive campaign. The inclusion of young talents like Abbas Afridi and Jahandad Khan brings fresh energy to the squad. Fans eagerly await not only the outcome of this high-stakes encounter but also the action-packed T20I series that follows.
