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Harare Bureau
THE Pakistan cricket team arrived in Harare yesterday evening for their tour with coach Dave Whatmore promising the hosts another potential whitewash during the series. Zimbabwe, who are still smarting from a 5-0 defeat suffered at the hands of India last month are probably hoping for a better performance after learning the hard way against the world champions.
“First 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.
“In any match that we play in cricket, we strive to win and this is no different,” said Whatmore who is a former Australian international player.
The Pakistan cricket team arrived without batsman Umar Akmal who suffered a seizure and has been replaced by Sarfraz Ahmed.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 two metres.
During their tour to Zimbabwe, Pakistan will play two test matches, three ODIs and two T20 matches.
The first T20 match will be at Harare Sports Club on Friday while the second T20 match will be played on Saturday, 24 August.
Action will continue on Tuesday with 1st ODI at Harare sports Club again while the 2nd ODI has been slatted for Thursday with the last ODI on 29 August.
3 September, will see the 1st Test at Sports Club before Pakistan round off their tour with the 2nd Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
But Whatmore said he is not underrating the hosts ors 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 all the formats of the game and this time, just a single win against the team from the sub-continent would be a bonus for Zimbabwe, who struggle to find half the team in form for any match.
Online Reporter