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Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE have a good chance to win their first cricket series against Pakistan and a good crowd is expected at Harare Sports Club today when the men in red chase a date with history in what should be a reveting finale of this ODI contest.The hosts won the first match by seven wickets on Tuesday, but Pakistan levelled the series with a 90-run win on Thursday.
Zimbabwe’s victory on Tuesday was their first against Pakistan in any form of the game in 15 years and they showed in that match, and for 40 overs when they batted on Thursday, that they can stand toe-to-toe with their opponents.
Umar Ami, who made his debut half century in ODIs on Thursday, said their defeat in the first game fired them on.
“After losing the first game there was some pressure on us, but I think the way that we bounced back shows that we are a great team,” he said.
“We know they are going to come strong at us so we can’t relax at all. We need to play our best like we did in the second match.
“Our game plan will be very simple – just stick to our basics and do the best we can. Playing against such teams can be difficult because when you lose to them, the defeat is remembered for a long time.”
The ability to build milestone partnership at the top order has been the factor that has stood out in both matches; the team that has the ability to build partnerships today will take the series. Zimbabwe captain is well aware of this distinction, giving a recollection of how events transpired on Thursday.
The home side’s fans and media have heavily questioned the inclusion of Timycen Maruma in the ODI starting line-up, which saw supporters celebrating the fall of his wicket on Tuesday.
He is likely to be rested today to protect him but it is clear that, in such a do-or-die game, Zimbabwe need players who aren’t in a state of questioning their quality, wondering whether or not they are good enough for this level of the game.
Sikander Raza is likely to come in his place as the only change, but still the work and heavy burden lies at the top order and if Brendan Taylor, who looks back to his old good touch, Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda fire, then we have a chance.
The toss, as is usually the case at Harare Sports Club, is important and whoever wins it has the lesser burden of fighting for this priceless victory.
Online Reporter