First T20I: Pakistan win toss, opt to bat first against Zimbabwe
Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in the first T20 international of a three-match series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.
The visitors have already announced its playing XI led by Salman Ali Agha, featuring young and strong players including Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Jahandad Khan.
The bowling side features Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim.
On Thursday, the Men in Green inflicted a 99 runs defeat on Zimbabwe in the third One Day International to win the series by 2-1.
Pakistan and Zimbabwe enter the three-match series with contrasting momentums.
The home side are unbeaten in their previous five appearance in the format, part of their perfect run at the recently-held ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier.
Whereas, the green shirts are carrying the weight of a 3-0 clean sweep defeat against Australia, their first series after a dismal campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which marked their first-ever group stage exit from the tournament.
Playing XI:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Omair bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufiyan Moqim.
