Zimbabwe will face off against the visitors, Pakistan in a do-or-die game at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. Zimbabwe is 2-0 down in the five-match ODI series after Pakistan achieved back-to-back victories in the first two matches.
Pakistan won the first game by 201 runs, followed by another convincing eight wickets victory on Monday. Pakistan is one more win away from sealing this series, and undoubtedly their side looks quite confident.
Live updates:
Zimbabwe score: 1/1 after 1.2 overs.
Zimbabwe wins the toss and decides to bat first
The scheduled time of start of play is 9:15 AM Local (12:15 PM IST).
Zimbabwe win the toss and going to bat first in the third #ZIMvPAK ODI pic.twitter.com/FD1Er5vpKr
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) July 18, 2018
Zimbabwe team news
Zimbabwe has played the same set of eleven players in both the one-day matches so far, and the reason behind that is the fact that the backup members of the squad aren't quite experienced either. Former captain Elton Chigumbura hasn't looked in any batting form in recent times, but his experience of batting down the order could well be helpful for the side.
Watch Pakistan v Zimbabwe v Australia live streaming on PTV Sportshttps://t.co/0pk50keyAM pic.twitter.com/IqVF6O4NHq
— PanAsiaBiz (@panasiabiz) July 1, 2018
But, his inclusion can deny Zimbabwe an extra bowling option, which would further spoil the balance of the XI.
The shortage of choice that Zimbabwe has is really disappointing. Having said that, they might stick to the same XI if they don't plan to bring in Chigumbura.
It is highly unlikely that there will be any changes in the Pakistan side after the dominating performance by them in the first two matches of the series. However, According to Cricbuzz, Haris Sohail has left the tour midway and traveled to Pakistan due to his daughter's illness.
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe in third one day international today in Bulawayo, Pakistan lead five match series 2-0. PTV Sports will telecast the match live from 12.15 pm.#PAKvZIM pic.twitter.com/8HdW2kOqAx
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) July 18, 2018
TV telecast and PTV Sports live streaming details
- India - Sony Six - Live streaming on Sonyliv.com
- Pakistan - PTV Sports - live streaming on PTV Sports website from 12 PM PST onwards.
- South Africa - Supersport
- The US - Willow Tv
- The UK - Sky Sports Cricket
Pakistan 5 Match ODI Series Against Zimbabwe.#PAKvsZIM pic.twitter.com/M8SPOlAHDl
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) July 13, 2018
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has looked a little pale so far in this series, so he might be rested for this game, while this might be an opportunity for the leg-spinner, Yasir Shah, to come into the side.
Pakistan also might not change the opening partnership after the pair's recent success in the two games.
The pitch won't be a lot different from the ones in the first two matches of the series. Though, it might be slightly slower. Runs have been coming quite easily for Pakistan, but Zimbabwe hasn't applied themselves enough to get the better off the surface.
#OnThisDay in 2016, Pakistan pulled off a famous win against England at the @HomeOfCricket and celebrated in style! 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/pAV7sa95rt
— ICC (@ICC) July 17, 2018
Another chilled morning will welcome the two teams in Bulawayo. The temperature isn't expected to cross 20 degrees Celsius through the day, as reported by accuweather.com.