PERTH: Pakistan will resume their expedition for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal berth today as they take on Zimbabwe in one of the three Super 12s Group 2 matches today at Optus Stadium here.
Pakistan, fresh from the anguishment of witnessing the vital two points slipping away on Sunday when they collided with arch-rivals India at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, would be concerned about the thrashing they received from South Africa a day later, but also relieved to have come away with a point.
Pakistan’s frustrating defeat at the hands of India raised concerns about whether the team should have gone with four pacers and one spinner, which might result in them bringing Mohammad Wasim Jr into the lineup.
It is, however, more likely that the team would still recruit both their full-time spinners Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz in the Playing XI, whereas, the inclusion of a pacer can allow Babar Azam to have more options in the bowling department.
The bowling would be a major concern for Zimbabwe, consequently, from the thrashing, they endured in their first Super 12s match against South Africa.
[totalpoll id=”241947″]
Pakistan would be heavily relying on their openers – Babar and Mohammad Rizwan – to fire in a must-win match, while their failure in the high-octane match against India turned to be a blessing in disguise as their middle-order chipped in on the big stage.
Their pace attack has been the key for them since this year’s Asia Cup, while their ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s underwhelming return might be a concern for them.
Zimbabwe, however, has been heavily relying on their all-rounder Sikandar Raza, while Wessley Madhvere’s brilliance in the last game could be a major confidence booster for their batting lineup.
Their pace attack paid them well in the tournament thus far, especially Blessing Muzarabani, whose height and the extra bounce on most Australian surfaces was always going to be a trump card for Zimbabwe.
The weather has been a concern for most of the teams in the ongoing World Cup, however, the weather forecast claims that only a five per cent chance of rain is expected here today.
HEAD TO HEAD (T20Is)
Matches 17, Pakistan 16, Zimbabwe 1
