After a dominant performance in the recently concluded ODI series, Pakistan is set to take on Zimbabwe in the first match of the three-game T20I series in Bulawayo. With a strong batting lineup led by Kamran Ghulam and Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan will look to continue their winning momentum and emerge as favorites in the T20Is as well. On the other hand, Zimbabwe will be determined to make a comeback and put up a tough fight against the visitors.
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe: T20I Series Preview
Background
Pakistan and Zimbabwe have a long and competitive cricketing history. The two sides first met in an ODI in 1993, and have since played a total of 63 matches across all formats. Pakistan holds a significant advantage in the head-to-head record, having won 47 matches to Zimbabwe's 15.
In the recent ODI series, Pakistan completed a comprehensive 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe. Led by a dominant performance from opener Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the first match and a half-century in the third, Pakistan displayed their strength in batting and bowling.
T20I Series Preview
The upcoming T20I series will be a three-match affair, with all games scheduled to be played in Bulawayo from May 7-9, 2023. Pakistan will be looking to continue their winning momentum and extend their dominance over Zimbabwe.
Teams
Pakistan:
Zimbabwe:
Key Players
FAQs
Who is favored to win the T20I series? Pakistan is the clear favorite, given their strong recent form and experienced squad.
What is the venue for the T20I series? All three matches will be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Who is the captain of Pakistan's T20I team? Babar Azam is the captain of Pakistan's T20I team.
Who is the top wicket-taker for Zimbabwe in T20Is? Tendai Chatara is the top wicket-taker for Zimbabwe in T20Is, with 70 wickets.
What is the head-to-head record between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in T20Is? Pakistan holds a 7-5 advantage in the head-to-head record against Zimbabwe in T20Is.
In the series opener, left-handed batter Abhishek Sharma stole the show with a stunning display of power hitting. His unbeaten 79 runs off just 34 balls included eight sixes and five fours, helping India chase down a modest total of 132 with ease. Sharma's incredible hitting was praised by coach Ravi Shastri and his partnership with Sanju Samson proved to be crucial in India's victory. England will have a tough task ahead if they want to level the series in the next match.
In the sports world, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel shines with his performance against England in the first T20I. He picks up two wickets and concedes just seven runs in three overs, including the dismissal of struggling Gus Atkinson. England, in the meanwhile, struggles to put up a good batting performance, setting a target of 132 for India. Follow Sportskeeda for live updates and news on the ongoing T20I series.
In the first T20 match between India and England, the Indian team put on an impressive performance, chasing down a target of 133 runs with ease to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite initial struggles against Jofra Archer, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma put on strong batting displays to help secure the win. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy was the standout player of the match, picking up three crucial wickets and being named Player of the Match. With five more matches to go, the series is sure to deliver more exciting moments.
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In a highly anticipated match, India's Men in Blue defeated England by seven wickets in the first T20I at the iconic Eden Gardens. With the absence of veteran seamer Mohammed Shami, expectations were high on the three spinners chosen by the team management - Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi, and they did not disappoint. After limiting England to a respectable 132 runs, India batted aggressively in the second innings with Sanju Samson's fiery knock of 26 runs and Abhishek Sharma's blistering half-century of 79 runs. This marked India's seventh consecutive T20I win at Eden Gardens, maintaining their nine-year-old unbeaten record at the venue.
England's Jofra Archer was the star of the show as he dismissed both Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav in the fifth over of the match. The seamer delivered a well-directed short ball that caught both batsmen off guard and resulted in their wickets. His efforts were crucial in England's victory as they managed to defend their total of 132, with Jos Buttler scoring 68 runs. India, on the other hand, fell short of their target despite a valiant effort from captain Virat Kohli, who scored 71 runs.
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