Zimbabwe vs Pakistan T20I

[BigMozzyDog]

3pts Zimbabwe to win the match at 13/5 with Sportingbet. 

When Zimbabwe went over to Pakistan in a landmark ODI series designed to smooth the way for international cricket to return to the country on a permanent basis, they had no joy at all. But this time they are at home, and in Zimbabwe they are much more of a force. Indeed Harare has seen them pull off some truly incredible results.

Pakistan travel to Africa armed with some form players, not least Ahmed Shehzad who has been a regular contributor for club and country over the last few months. They will be led by skipper Shahid Afridi who himself is a formidable force in any T20I with both bat and ball. They also have a stable of fast bowlers who are potent and skillful.

Can you whole-heartedly back Pakistan to win their first game on tour. We think not. Should they win. Absolutely.

Zimbabwe will be led by the experienced Elton Chigumbura and have plenty of players with a performance in them.  They are more than capable to post or chase 175 which will win a lot of games. They are also available at 10/1 to win the series with Stan James.

 

You can read the full preview here: https://www.punterslounge.com/zimbabwe-vs-pakistan-elton-s-boys-could-spring-a-shock 

[BigMozzyDog]

3pts Zimbabwe to win the match at 11/4 with Ladbrokes

We backed Elton Chigumbura’s Zimbabwe to shock Pakistan in the opening game of the series, highlighting Pakistan’s frailty with the bat as an area to exploit. But for a horror show Zimbabwe finish, that very nearly came to pass.

Zimbabwe did prove themselves to be a talented side which is unable to string a complete performance together. The ball or the bat lets them down. But in Harare for the first T20I it was their nerve that failed also. Perhaps the loss of Brendan Taylor to county cricket is a bigger one than it appeared at first glance.

Little known Imad Wasim, the slow left armer, was the man who really turned the game in Pakistan’s favour. His 4/11 helped the tourists to defend an below par 136 and, along with important lower middle-order batting contributions from Shoaib Malik and Rizwan.

As for the rest of the game, only Hamilton Masakadza and skipper Elton Chigumbura showed any real spirit for the home side. This Zimbabwe side really do have ability though and as much as this win could be seen as a blip for Pakistan, the same could be said for Zimbabwe.

This was a chase that should have been routine and they will be anxious to not replicate their over zealous pursuit of victory next time. They could well be worth another go based on the confidence that they will derive from competing on a level playing field this time. 

You can view a full preview here: https://www.punterslounge.com/zimbabwe-vs-pakistan-close-first-game-sets-the-tone