The 3rd ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan is set to take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This match will be the decider in a thrilling three-match series that is currently tied 1-1. The first match saw Zimbabwe pull off a remarkable 80-run victory, using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method due to rain interruptions. However, Pakistan bounced back in the second ODI with a dominant 10-wicket win, leveling the series. The final match will be crucial for both teams as they battle for supremacy in the series.
Match Details:
Date: November 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM IST
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Live Stream: FanCode
The pitch at Queens Sports Club is known for being batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of around 250 runs. The surface is also favorable to both pace and spin, offering assistance to bowlers, particularly in the middle overs. This combination makes it a balanced surface where both teams will have opportunities to perform with both bat and ball. The weather forecast predicts humid and cloudy conditions, with a 78% chance of rainfall and possible thunderstorms, which could affect the flow of the match.
Series Recap: The series kicked off with a surprise result, as Zimbabwe won the first match by 80 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, despite the rain interruptions. Pakistan, however, came back strongly in the second match, with key performances from Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub. Abrar’s outstanding bowling performance, where he claimed four wickets, helped restrict Zimbabwe’s total. On the batting front, Saim Ayub was the star, scoring an explosive 113 runs off just 62 balls, guiding Pakistan to an emphatic 10-wicket victory. This win leveled the series, making the final match a highly anticipated decider.
Key Players to Watch:
Saim Ayub (PAK): The left-handed batter has been the highest scorer of the series so far, with 113 runs in two matches. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly make him a key player for Pakistan in the final ODI.
Sikandar Raza (ZIM): One of Zimbabwe's most reliable all-rounders, Raza has scored 56 runs and taken 2 wickets in the series. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball will be crucial in the decider.
Sean Williams (ZIM): Another pivotal all-rounder for Zimbabwe, Williams has 54 runs and 2 wickets from the two matches. His leadership and composure under pressure will be important for Zimbabwe’s chances in the final match.
Abrar Ahmed (PAK): The Pakistani spinner was instrumental in the second ODI, taking 4 wickets. His bowling will be key in containing Zimbabwe’s middle order and creating pressure in the middle overs.
Dream11 Fantasy XI Picks:
Wicketkeeper: Mohammed Rizwan
Batters: Craig Ervine, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, Dion Myers
All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Agha Salman
Bowlers: Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf
Captain Picks: Saim Ayub, Sikandar Raza
Vice-captain Picks: Agha Salman, Sean Williams
Alternative Fantasy XI:
Wicketkeeper: Mohammed Rizwan
Batters: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Brian Bennett
All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Agha Salman, Sean Williams, Aamir Jamal
Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Abrar Ahmed
Captain Picks: Sean Williams, Agha Salman
Vice-captain Picks: Saim Ayub, Sikandar Raza
Team Lineups:
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (C), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir
Final Thoughts: With both teams eager to claim victory and seal the series, the 3rd ODI promises to be an exciting contest. Zimbabwe will be aiming to leverage home advantage, while Pakistan will look to build on their momentum from the second match. With star players like Saim Ayub, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams in top form, it’s set to be a high-stakes, high-quality showdown. Fans can expect a competitive encounter as both teams look to deliver their best cricket and secure the series win.
