Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – 1st T20I Preview | Rawalpindi set for high-pace clash as Pakistan aim to start tri-series strongly

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Pakistan are set to host Zimbabwe in the opening match of the T20I Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 18. The two sides last met in a bilateral T20I series in 2021, where Pakistan dominated 2-1, though Zimbabwe famously defended 118 in Harare to steal a rare win.

‌Pakistan arrive with renewed confidence after finishing their recent home fixtures strongly, backed by consistent top-order contributions from Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan. Captain Salman Agha continues to grow into his leadership role, and the return of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah gives Pakistan a fully-loaded pace battery. Rawalpindi’s bounce and carry suit their strengths perfectly.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, remain heavily reliant on Sikandar Raza, whose recent white-ball form has kept them competitive even during a turbulent period. Brendan Taylor’s return adds experience, while young players like Dion Myers and Brian Bennett offer the spark that Zimbabwe have lacked in the powerplay. Their challenge will be adapting to Pakistan’s pace-friendly home conditions and resisting early movement under lights.

The teams have built a noticeable rivalry over the past decade, with Zimbabwe capable of springing unexpected upsets despite the numerical mismatch. For Pakistan, the task is straightforward: start the tri-series with authority and solidify their preferred combinations. With both teams undergoing transition and new leaders shaping their identity, the Rawalpindi encounter promises a compelling start to the competition.

Form Guide

Pakistan’s recent sequence reflects a team rediscovering rhythm: W L L W W across their last five T20Is. Their home victories against South Africa showcased improved death bowling and more aggressive intent during chases, anchored by Babar’s stability.

Zimbabwe entered with a W W L L L record, having started October brightly before losing momentum against Afghanistan. Their middle-order collapses and expensive seam spells remain areas of concern.

PAK: W L L W W

ZIM: W W L L L

PAK vs ZIM Head-to-Head in T20Is

Pakistan have long held the upper hand in the rivalry, leading 18-3 overall and dominating both home and away contests. Zimbabwe’s last win came in 2021, when they defended a modest total in Harare. But in Pakistan, the hosts have won all meetings comfortably, driven by superior pace, depth and top-order consistency.

Pakistan 18-3 Zimbabwe

Pitch and Weather

Rawalpindi generally begins with pronounced seam movement early on before settling into a true batting wicket. Early wickets are common, but once set, batters can score freely with value for shots and quick outfields. First-innings totals of 160-180 are typical.

Weather forecasts predict cool, dry conditions between 12-18°C, with clear skies and minimal rain risk. Dew later in the evening may encourage teams to bowl first, as grip for spinners tends to decline after 8 pm.

Team News

Pakistan are expected to field a full-strength lineup, with Fakhar Zaman and Farhan opening and Babar Azam anchoring at No. 3. Usman Khan retains wicketkeeping duties, while the fast-bowling trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Salman Mirza is set to lead the attack. Abrar Ahmed provides the main spin option.

Zimbabwe welcomed Brendan Taylor back into the T20I squad, putting him at three behind the pairing of Dion Myers and Brain Bennett at the top. Captain Sikandar Raza slots into the middle order, supported by Ryan Burl and Clive Madande. Richard Ngarava and Wellington Masakadza headline the bowling attack, with Brad Evans offering control through the middle overs.

Pakistan (Probable XI): Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

Zimbabwe (Probable XI): Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava