Pakistan vs Zimbabwe ODI Series

[BigMozzyDog]

3pts Zimbabwe to have the highest opening partnership at 6/4 with Stan James.

In both T20I matches the home side were chasing less than 140, and on both occasions they came up short after failing to lay a strong platform. Their senior players like Ervine, Masakadza and Raza simply haven’t delivered when it’s mattered.

Pakistan on the other hand, do not justify a price of 1/4 to win the first ODI. They have been humbled by a relatively tame Zimbabwe attack in every game so far in a display which will give the England bowlers plenty of heart.

The switch to 50 overs should favour Zimbabwe who lack the power hitters to do well in the shortest format of the game. The ODI format allows some of their best players to express themselves, specifically Craig Ervine and Sean Williams.

So far the tour has shown up Pakistan’s batting frailties and highlighted the strength of the Zimbabwe attack on these pitches. Even mediocre bowlers like Luke Jongwe and Prosper Utseya are causing plenty of problems. The latter has found an innovative solution to being reported for an illegal action. He ditched his gentle off-spinners for even more gentle medium-pacers. Fair play to the fella.

Rather than tip an outright winner, with little value on the table, we see promise in the top opening partnership market. Both sides have lost early wickets and even though the home side aren’t the most solid, there are so many weaknesses in the Pakistan top order after Ahmed Mukhtar was dropped for the last T20I.

Hamilton Masakadza has been a rare consistent performer in the Zimbabwe team for over a decade. He does have a tendency to make starts without going on to a big score. He has however shown some longevity with over 4,500 runs and average of nearly 30 for a side that has rarely won regularly.

Two of their last three ODI’s, all against New Zealand, have produced opening partnerships of more than 74.

 

You can read a full preview here: https://www.punterslounge.com/zimbabwe-vs-pakistan-nothing-to-separate-these-two-sides

[BigMozzyDog]

1pt Imad Wasim to be top Pakistan batter at 20/1 with Coral

As for the Pakistan batting markets, it seems that their current top order struggles could lead us to some good middle-order value.

In Imad Wasim, Pakistan have unearthed a special talent. The spin bowling allrounder has pedigree with bat and ball, a fact that he demonstrated with a run-a-ball 61 least time out. Coming in at seven, Wasim is a dangerous customer. He has a first-class double hundred to his name and averages over 40, so he is definitely no mug.

Elsewhere in the Pakistan line-up, Shoaib Malik has shown some form at five without really going on to a big score. Sarfraz Ahmed has also threatened runs, but neither player really inspires confidence.

If Pakistan’s top-order woes continue, Wasim may well get another chance to shine. He is a massive price here and is well worth a small punt.

Read the full preview here: https://www.punterslounge.com/zimbabwe-vs-pakistan-pakistan-find-their-feet-in-odi-format