First ODI: Pakistan chooses to bowl first against Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO: Muhammad Rizwan is leading the national team in the first One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan won the toss and decided to field against Zimbabwe.

Among the playing XI for today’s match are three players making their debuts, Skipper Muhammad Rizwan said ahead of the game. The lineup includes Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq, Kamran Ghulam, Hasibullah Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain and Faisal Ikram.

Muhammad Rizwan said that this ODI series against Zimbabwe is important for the national team. “We will test our bench strength in this series,” he said, adding, “We want to continue the historic win against Australia”.

Both teams are expressing solidarity with children affected by cancer in Zimbabwe. Players of both teams are playing the match wearing orange caps to raise awareness for the issue.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe begins today at the Queens Sports Club ground in Bulawayo. After the ODI series, both teams will also play three T20 Internationals. All matches will be played at the same venue.

This is Pakistan’s second ODI series this month. Earlier, Pakistan defeated Australia by 2-1 on its home ground. However, this game is Aqib Javed’s first ODI series as interim white-ball head coach.

Also read: PCB name Aaqib Javed as interim white-ball coach