Pakistan vs Zimbabwe Prediction & Match Preview – T20I Tri-Series, 4th Match

Pakistan again look to their top order in this tri-series fixture. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub open, followed by Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, captain Salman Agha and Usman Khan. Farhan was superb in the previous game with an unbeaten 80 off 45 balls, including six fours and five sixes, while Saim Ayub added 20 off 18 and Babar made 16 off 22 with a six.

The bowling attack features Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf. Left-arm spinner Nawaz took 3 for 16 from his four overs last time and will again be a key part of the middle-over plans.

Zimbabwe have plenty of batting threat of their own. Brian Bennett top-scored with 49 off 42 balls in their last match, Sikandar Raza hit 47 off 32, and Ryan Burl chipped in with 18 off 11 including two sixes, with Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brendan Taylor alongside them. Their bowlers include Tinotenda Maposa, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Raza and Graeme Cremer. Evans returned 3 for 9 from four overs in the opening game of the series, and Ngarava took 2 for 15, so Pakistan will have to guard against early losses.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Rawalpindi tends to be a batting-friendly venue with good bounce and carry, and limited-overs games here are often high scoring with successful chases. The new ball may move a little early, particularly under cloud, but the pitch generally flattens out. Spinners can find some help as it slows, though the surface mostly rewards batters.

Weather

A cool, hazy evening is expected at 6:00 pm local time, with temperatures around 17°C. No major rain is forecast. The conditions may suit bowlers, especially spinners, as the pitch can offer more grip, and batters might need a short spell to adjust to the cooler air.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 165–185
• 2nd innings: 150–170