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Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
THE Pakistan cricket team arrived in Harare last night for their month-long tour with coach Dave Whatmore promising the hosts another tough series.Zimbabwe, who are still smarting from a 0-5 defeat at the hands of India in an ODI series, will take on Pakistan in two Twenty20 matches, three ODIs and two Test matches.
“First of all, we are very happy to be in Zimbabwe again. Most of the boys have been here before and we are now back to play some cricket,” said Whatmore.
“In any match that we play in cricket, we strive to win and this is no different.”
The Pakistan cricket team arrived without batsman Umar Akmal, who suffered a seizure and has been replaced by Sarfraz Ahmed.
The tourists’ squad also included the tall fast bowler Mohammed Irfan, regarded as the tallest known cricketer in the world today, standing at 7ft 1inch.
The first T20 match will be at Harare Sports Club on Friday while the second match will be on the following day.
Action will continue on Tuesday with the 1st ODI at Harare Sports Club and the 2nd ODI has been slatted for Thursday with the last One Day International pencilled for August 29.
On September 3, the first Test will be held at Harare Sports Club before Pakistan round off their tour with the second Test at Queens in Bulawayo.
Whatmore said he was not underrating the hosts, who are still trying to re-establish themselves as a decent cricket team under new coach Andy Waller, who will be taking charge for his second assignment.
Waller was given a baptism of fire as world champions India won the ODI series but this is his first test in all forms of the game against another quality opponent.
“Look, Zimbabwe are playing at their home and any home matches are to their advantage. But we will try to do our best and see if we can get the right results,” said Whatmore.
All has not been rosy for Zimbabwe with players involved in a stand-off with management over how much they should be paid to represent their country.
One of the players, Kyle Jarvis, has since retired from international cricket and will focus on playing for English country side Lancashire.
The fast bowler had been selected in the team to face Pakistan and his retirement will see Brian Vitori, Tendai Chitara and Michael Chinouya battling for wickets with the new ball.
It’s probably the first time that the Zimbabwe new ball bowling partnership will feature only black players in the Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 matches.
“Any game we play we play to win and certainly this will not be any different,” said Whatmore.
“It’s a good pitch (Harare Sports Club) we have gathered some knowledge from watching India recently. It’s a good ground with good facilities and we are ready to play.”
Meanwhile, Moin Khan, the newly appointed manager of the Pakistan team for the Zimbabwe tour, has told Cricinfo he will not refrain from criticising the team but will provide his inputs in team matters whenever necessary.
He also said he would not compromise on discipline, in his effort to maintain team unity.
“Criticism is natural when the performance isn’t good and if he (Whatmore) is still (not performing) I will keep on doing it,” Khan told reporters at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
“Now that I am the manager and head of the selection committee on tour, I will interfere in every aspect, but only when things are not going according to plan. Being a (former) cricketer, you will obviously see me on the ground mixing with the boys, but I will only interfere if my input is required.”
He believes they brought the best team to Zimbabwe.
“I think it’s the best team and from what I have observed, all the players are sensible,” he said.
“There is a need for creating a sense of responsibility among the players.
“We understand they also need a comfortable surrounding but I will not compromise on discipline.”
Zimbabwe squad:
Brendan Taylor (capt & wk), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Michael Chinouya, Elton Chigumbura, Graeme Cremer, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Natsai M’shangwe, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.
Online Reporter