http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 – 3rd One Day International – Match Preview
The third and final limited over International between Zimbabwe and Pakistan will be played today, September 14, 2011, at the Harare Sports Club.
Having recently won emphatically against Bangladesh, the hosts were quickly brought back down to earth by a young Pakistani squad. The visitors have outplayed their opponents in every department and the third One-Dayer will be the last opportunity for an
emerging team to prove their credentials at the highest level.
After a resounding defeat by 10 wickets in the second One Dayer, Zimbabwean Head Coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Alan-Raymond-Butcher-c42769, highlighted the batting department's weak performance as the main reason for their side’s series loss.
Considering his point, one must agree with the head coach, who feels that lack of confidence is hampering the side's performances. The hosts have been playing well within themselves but in order to beat quality opponents; they would have to ensure that they
play attacking cricket for 100 overs.
With http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BRM-Taylor-c1200 moving himself at No.4 to ensure stability, the opening batsmen have failed to give the team a start which can be capitalized upon by the late order. This has been a worry, as on most occasions, the middle and lower order has been left
with a lot of work.
On flat pitches, the bowlers have also failed to impress, with no one stepping up to the mark. Much was expected from left-armer http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747, but the youngster could not deliver this time around.
The strategy of playing two spinners has also backfired for the hosts, hence the management will now look to play a three-man pace attack with either Raymond Price or http://www.senore.com/Cricket/P-Utseya-c2145 in the Playing XI.
With a fresh look squad and nothing to lose in the final game, it might be the ideal opportunity for the side to go out and express themselves without any reservations.
For their counterparts, the tour has been an excellent platform for some of the upcoming fringe players to have a taste of International Cricket. The likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sohail-Tanvir-c90665 and Imran Farhat
has benefited a side lacking other senior players.
It is also an opportunity for skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Asad-Shafiq-c46208, who have been waiting patiently for their chance on the field.
With opener Muhammad Hafeez having a ball with the bat, he has given stability to the opening, which had been a problem for the team in the past. However, one cannot get carried away as other challenges await the Men in Green.
The conditions seem perfect for batting again as the pitch will be flat and will offer little to bowlers. The new ball will be key for both sides as they will look to make early inroads. The sun is expected to shine on them most of the day.
It will be coach, Waqar Younis' final assignment, who would be thrilled to see the side performing well.
With Shoaib Malik and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wahab-Riaz-c95839 waiting to prove their mettle, good things are in store for the Pakistani side.
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