Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd T20 Predictions and Match Preview

Contrary to what we (and to be fair, just about everyone) had predicted, Pakistan did not come back strong against Zimbabwe. To be fair, it’s not like Zimbabwe came back stronger either. Both teams struggled, but that made Pakistan’s plight even more miserable and/or laughable, depending on whom you support. All said and done, things now stand at a stalemate, and while Pakistan will do all they can to avoid an embarrassment, Zimbabwe will put their heart and soul into trying to swipe the biggest slice of glory they’ve had in years. Before these athletic animals bare their fangs at each other, let’s take a look at how they’ve been doing.

Zimbabwe

Predicted XI for 3rd T20 vs Pakistan

Sean Williams (c), Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabwa (wk), Ryan Burl, Tarisai Musakanda, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wesley Madhevere, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza.

Zimbabwe team preview and form

After partying long into the night, the Chevrons must get ready to face Pakistan again. They still lack Craig Ervine - who is out with a calf strain - and Sikandar Raza, but if they could win without them AND Sean Williams, they can do it with the captain by their side. Asked to bat, Only Tinashe Kamunhukamwe could muster up a decent 34, albeit off 40 deliveries. The best anyone else could do isn’t worth mentioning, so we won’t. After putting up a poor 118, Zimbabwe came up with the performance of a lifetime on the field. Luke Jongwe was the star of the show with 4 wickets, and Ryan Burl took two, but they had support from all the bowlers - none of whom crossed 6 runs per over. Combined with two run outs, they were able to nail Pakistan down for a fantastic 19-run victory. 

Zimbabwe key players for 3rd T20 vs Pakistan

Tinashe Kamunhukamwe: Although he scores slowly, Kamunhukamwe does score unlike many of his teammates.

Sean Williams: Back in the side, the captain will try his best to provide a performance worthy of one.

Luke Jongwe: Do we dare exclude him from this list after the way he bowled yesterday?

Blessing Muzarabani: As usual, Zimbabwe’s premier pacer is an ever-present threat.

Pakistan

Predicted XI for 3rd T20 vs Zimbabwe

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Danish Aziz, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Hafeez, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan team preview and form

Pakistani players essentially have to face three repercussions whenever they lose - their own disappointment and/or guilt, the ire of their fans back home, and relentless trolling from the cricket-following world - much of which is made up of Indians. All the more reason for them to try to get their act together. Bowling first, Mohammad Hasnain starred with figures of 4-0-19-2, and every other bowler chipped in with a wicket - Danish Aziz with two. After limiting the hosts to an easy 118, Pakistan started their chase. Let’s just say Babar Azam’s slow 41 off 45 may come under fire, but when you consider the fact that the only other batters to reach double figures were Danish Aziz with 22 (24) and Mohammad Rizwan with 13 (18), it becomes clear why they could only get to a ridiculous 99 before being bowled out. 

Pakistan key players for 3rd T20 vs Zimbabwe

Babar Azam: No matter what, Babar Azam is still Babar Azam.

Mohammad Hafeez: The Professor will be eager to get out there and cause some damage.

Usman Qadir: The leggie will examine Luke Jongwe’s exploits and try to emulate his success.

Mohammad Hasnain: Hasnain has been the embodiment of consistency on this tour. 

Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd T20 pitch report and weather conditions

It’s no secret that the Harare surface is difficult for batsmen to navigate, but it has been pretty ridiculously tough this series, with only one half century in four innings. Here’s to hoping things get slightly better in the third match. Expect teams to choose to chase, and first batters to target even something as conservative as 150. 

Although there might be a bit of a drizzle in the afternoon, things should dry up long before the match is scheduled to start. Other than that, all elemental factors are ideal for cricket.

Can Zimbabwe complete their Cinderella story with a reverse sweep over their guests? Or will Pakistan come back strong and avenge their embarrassment? Find out if our Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI predictions come true on Sunday!