The tourists have created a chance to introduce a few more youngsters into the team and test different combinations, which was one of the major aims of their journey. Although they were pushed hard in the first match, they regrouped strongly to put on a sterling all-round performance in the second.
Mohammad Hafeez has underlined his role as a premier allrounder but some of the other members of the squad will also want to use the opportunity to make an impression — particularly the youngsters and players making their comebacks. Sohail Tanvir has made a convincing comeback while Imran Farhat also put his hand up. It will be up to the other fringe members of the squad to capitalise on the chances they may get, especially against opponents struggling to stay above water.
Pakistan have given themselves an ideal opportunity to experiment, but will have to juggle cleverly to include their fringe players. Rameez Raja and Yasir Shah could be brought into the side although it will be harsh to drop Imran Farhat after his impressive showing in the second match. One of Junaid Khan, who injured his ankle during that match but returned to complete his spell, or Aizaz Cheema may have to make way for Sohail Khan, and Asad Shafiq could to slot in at No 3 although Pakistan are unlikely to leave Younis Khan out.
Zimbabwe will want to stop their series against Pakistan from spiralling into a failure and the final ODI is their last chance to do so before the Twenty20s start. So far, they have dramatically swung from a team that can compete fiercely, to one that can be comprehensively outplayed by the same opposition.
On a good batting surface, they will have to apply themselves with less inhibition than they have done so far. Importantly, Zimbabwe will have to show more energy and purpose in the field to back up the performances of their bowlers. Harare does not offer much for either the seamers or the spinners but if they can maintain accuracy and discipline, they should be rewarded.
Zimbabwe’s idea of playing two frontline seamers and two spinners backfired on them on Sunday and they may choose to return to a three-pronged pace attack with Kyle Jarvis returning in place of Prosper Utseya. The No 6 position is still a contentious one and Malcolm Waller had not been able to make it his own in two attempts. Craig Ervine, Forster Mutizwa and Regis Chakabva are all part of the squad and one of the three could be given the opportunity to make a case for themselves there.
Despite Zimbabwe’s tentative approach to batting in the first innings on Sunday, the Harare pitch remains batsmen-friendly. Any advantage for the seamers will dissipate after the first hour of play and chances are the team that wins the toss will bowl first to exploit that. Another perfect summer’s day in Africa is expected to close off the ODI series.(The News Pk)
