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Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE ODI captain Craig Ervine has hinted that they are likely to ring changes in the team going into the series decider at Queens Sports Club this morning.
The Chevrons’ batting display, in the first two games, has left a lot to be desired with the team yet to bat out their 50 overs.
In the first game, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 205 runs in 40, 2 overs, and in the second encounter on Tuesday, also batting first, the Chevrons were bundled out for 145 runs in 32, 3 overs.
Speaking after the conclusion of Tuesday’s game, Ervine said there likely will be changes to the team based on what they expect the wicket to play like.
Ervine believes that his side is not far off from getting a decent score on the board if they can apply themselves properly. Ervine added that they need to play positive cricket and work on a few errors to get things right with the bat.
“There could be a couple of changes but I think a lot depends on what the surface is like. If it’s another good wicket then I don’t see us changing too much but I can’t give too much away right now.
“There are little errors that are creeping in but I don’t see us being far away from posting a decent score. We have to be very careful in the message that we pass on that we don’t go into our shells and go defensive.
“Our batting has been poor in both games. Hopefully, we can apply ourselves a little bit better on Thursday,” said Ervine.
Weather is most likely to play its part in today’s decider with the forecast predicting a 50 percent chance of rain.
Passing showers are expected on what has been predicted to be an overcast day.
Today’s encounter will be a high-stakes game for both teams. The Chevrons are looking to register their first ODI series win over Pakistan while the visitors will be hoping to maintain their overseas form which saw them dislodge Australia Down Under a fortnight ago.
Following their defeat on Tuesday, the Chevrons have lost one rating point and are now tied with Ireland on 52. They, however, maintain their 11th-place standing on the team rankings.
A stunning century from Saim Ayub led Pakistan to a dominant 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second one-day international at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday, levelling the series at one-all. The series decider is scheduled to start at 09.30am with gate charges pegged at US$3 for the rest of the ground and US$10 for the grandstand.
After that, three T20Is will follow, scheduled for December 1, 3 and 5 at Queens Sports Club.
Online Reporter