Pakistan has made two key changes to their lineup for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe, scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the updated playing XI on Monday.
In this must-win match for Pakistan, Tayyab Tahir replaces Haseebullah Khan, while Abrar Ahmed takes the spot of Mohammad Hasnain. Notably, the game will mark Abrar Ahmed’s debut in ODI cricket, adding excitement to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The squad retains batters Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and Kamran Ghulam, who continue to strengthen the team’s middle order. Captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan remains a vital presence, alongside all-rounders Salman Ali Agha, Irfan Niazi, and Amir Jamal.
In the bowling department, Haris Rauf leads Pakistan’s pace attack, aiming to counter Zimbabwe’s batting lineup with his speed and precision. Faisal Akram, a promising young spinner, will also play a crucial role in turning the game in Pakistan’s favor.
Pakistan faces a challenge after Zimbabwe took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. In the first ODI, Pakistan struggled against Zimbabwe’s bowlers and were handed an 80-run defeat via the DLS method. Zimbabwe set a modest target of 205 after being contained by Pakistani bowlers. However, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered, collapsing to 60/6 before rain halted play in Bulawayo.
With the series on the line, Pakistan will look to regroup and deliver a stronger performance in both batting and bowling. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on their momentum and secure a series victory in front of their home crowd.
The changes in Pakistan’s squad reflect an attempt to address weaknesses exposed in the first match. Tayyab Tahir’s inclusion adds stability to the batting order, while Abrar Ahmed’s untested skills as a spinner could provide the edge needed to trouble Zimbabwe’s batsmen.
As the two teams prepare to face off, cricket fans eagerly await a high-stakes contest. Pakistan must deliver a cohesive team effort to keep the series alive, while Zimbabwe will strive to seal the series with another commanding performance.
