Bulawayo – Pakistan set a challenging 304-run target in the decisive third One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Thursday. The Green Shirts opted to bat first after winning the toss.
The series is tied at 1-1, making this match crucial for both teams. On Tuesday, Pakistan leveled the series with a dominant 10-wicket victory, thanks to a stellar performance by openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique.
Historically, Pakistan has enjoyed supremacy over Zimbabwe in ODIs, winning 55 out of 64 encounters, with six victories for Zimbabwe and two matches ending without results. The Green Shirts have also dominated bilateral series, securing 19 wins out of 21, while Zimbabwe managed to draw only two series in 1994/95 and 2013.
Playing XIs
Pakistan fielded an unchanged side, while Zimbabwe made two adjustments to their lineup.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Trevor Gwandu, Craig Ervine (c), Tawandanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.
The match will decide the series champion, with both teams aiming to claim bragging rights in the thrilling finale.
