Pakistan are the dark horses coming into this tournament. Tattered politically, tangled in controversy and filled with volatile personalities, this team is a dangerous- even to themselves. They had a good start to the tournament, winning their first 3 matches. But one loss for Pakistan means a constant barrage of questions and an extremely tense squad. They take on Zimbabwe who have, perhaps, the best set of powerplay bowlers. But as is normal for every “associate” team, they have lacked depth during the middle overs. Same goes with their batting as well. What’s in store?
Most runs scored
Pakistan is likely to change their batting around a little bit for today’s game. Their top 3 have not scored enough runs for their liking and they were brutally exposed when their middle order stalwarts Younus Khan and Misbah got out last time. Ahmed Shehzad and Hafeez are yet to have a partnership longer than the powerplay. It might change today though. Younus Khan and Misbah are too experienced- and very unlikely- to miss out today.
Zimbabwe have banked upon Brendan Taylor for quite some time now. He’s the key player. Taibu and Coventry have had a lot of expectations on them which they have failed to repay consistently, so far. There are good runs to be had at Pallekele.
Available odds: Shehzad @ 5.00; Younus Khan @ 5.00; Misbah @ 6.00; Taylor @ 3.75; Coventry @ 5.50
that_guy’s picks: Shehzad @ 5.00; Coventry @ 5.50 (888sport)
Most Wickets
Pakistan are more likely to change their bowling combnations. Saeed Ajmal is almost definitely going to take Abdur Rehman’s spot. Other than that, this bowling looks too strong for Zimbabwe to withstand. Afridi, Razzaq, Akhtar, Gul. They will all be licking their lips. Zimbabwe’s only impressive bowlers have been Ray Price and Utseya. Mpofu also took a few wickets in the last game.
Available odds: Afridi @ 3.00; Gul @ 4.50; Akhtar @ 5.00; Ray Price @ 3.75; Utseya @ 4.50; Mpofu @ 5.00
that_guy’s picks: Gul @ 4.50; Utseya @ 4.50 (888sport)
Match result
Zimbabwe have very slim chances of coming out of this match with anything. Easy win for Pakistan.
Available odds: Pakistan @ 1.12; Zimbabwe @ 6.00
that_guy’s pick: Pakistan @ 1.12 (888sport)