THE build up towards tomorrow’s first T20I between Zimbabwe and Pakistan was overshadowed by the Streakgate in which former Zimbabwe captain was banned for eight years from cricket for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code.
Pakistan has dealt with match-fixing issues before but for Zimbabwe it is uncharted territory as cricket fans continue to try find answers on how their greatest fast bowler fell from grace.
The first T20I is a welcome distraction from the off-field issues and allow cricket to be the focal point for once.
Chevrons bowlers have their work cut out as they bowl to the in form trio of Mohammad Rizwan, captain Babar Azam and the mercurial Fakhar Zaman.
Babar buoyed by his maiden T20I hundred against South African in the just-ended series will seek to pile more misery on Zimbabwe who are to beat Pakistan in 14 T20I.
Zaman has a double One Day International hundred and almost got another one against South Africa, will want to finish his tour of Southern Africa on a high.
If Zimbabwe make some early inroads at the top of the order they will have to contend with a Pakistan middle order that failed to score runs in South Africa and want to do so now as they try and book a ticket to the T20 World Cup in India.
Zimbabwe’s struggles against left-arm spin are well documented and Mohammad Nawaz who enjoys bowling in the power play is coming from a successful tour of South Africa with the ball, will give the Zimbabwe top-order a stern examination with spin.
Brendan Taylor who makes a welcome return to the home team’s s line up is a good player of spin, so is Craig Ervine and captain Sean Williams. The trio will try and counter the spin threat posed by the visitors.
Last November when Zimbabwe toured Pakistan, leg spinner Usman Qadir bamboozled Zimbabwe batsmen to steer his team to a three zero series whitewash victory.
Unlike most subcontinent sides, Pakistan does not over rely on spinners but has a strong fast bowling contingent spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi.
If Zimbabwe pass the spin examination they will have to deal with the Afridi, Mohammad Hosnain and Hasan Ali factor who all can be aided by the overcast conditions since it is an 11 am start at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe selectors have a slight headache on who partners Taylor at the top of the order. Do they give Tadiwanashe Marumani his debut straight away or continue with Tinashe Kamhunukamwe and give Marumani a chance in the second or third match depending on how the first game goes?
Wesley Madhevere who struggled against Afghanistan will want to breathe life back into his young international career against an opponent he has enjoyed success against.
Against Afghanistan the Chevrons’ bowlers conceded too many runs when they bowled first, giving their batsmen too much to chase. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will have to bowl better in the power play if Zimbabwe is to end their losing streak against Pakistan in T20I.
Zimbabwe (probable): 1. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 2. Brendan Taylor, 3. Sean Williams (capt), 4. Craig Ervine, 5. Wesley Madhevere, 6. Regis Chakabva (wk), 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Donald Tiripano, 9. Wellington Masakadza,10. Blessing Muzarabani, 11. Richard Ngarava
Pakistan (probable): 1 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2. Babar Azam (capt), 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Haider Ali, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 11. Mohammad Hosnain.
