ODI series: Pakistan to play first one-day match against Zimbabwe today

Pakistan and Zimbabwe are set to face off in a three-match ODI series today, followed by three T20Is, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from November 24 to December 5. This marks Pakistan’s second ODI series of the month, following their 2-1 victory over Australia earlier in November.

Aqib Javed, former fast bowler and member of the National Men’s Selection Committee, has been named Pakistan’s interim white-ball head coach until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His debut assignment in this role will be the ODI series against Zimbabwe, which follows his appointment last Friday.

Led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s ODI squad arrived in Zimbabwe on Wednesday and has undergone three intense practice sessions. The squad includes new additions Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Tayyab Tahir, replacing Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Arafat Minhas.

The two teams last clashed in an ODI series in Rawalpindi in November 2020, where Pakistan emerged victorious 2-1. Pakistan’s previous tour to Zimbabwe in July 2018 resulted in a dominant 5-0 whitewash.

Quotes from Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s ODI Captain
“The series against Zimbabwe holds great importance as we aim to test our bench strength and prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home. With our key players resting after the Australia series, this is an excellent opportunity for others to step up and contribute.

“Zimbabwe will certainly pose challenges on their home turf, but this series is crucial to maintaining our momentum after the historic win in Australia.”

Pakistan ODI Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir

Zimbabwe ODI Squad
Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Trevor Gwandu

Match Schedule
(All matches at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo)

• 1st ODI: November 24 (12:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time)
• 2nd ODI: November 26 (12:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time)
• 3rd ODI: November 28 (12:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time)
• 1st T20I: December 1 (4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time)
• 2nd T20I: December 3 (4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time)
• 3rd T20I: December 5 (4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time)