Pakistan v Zimbabwe: Returnees take on resurgent Pakistan

One-off Test Preview: Gulf is wide but we may see a close contest >

Zimbabwe celebrated their Test return with an emotional victory over Bangladesh in early August, indicating their eagerness to grow as a cricketing nation. Now they have a sterner test, against a new-look Pakistan.

History suggests that Pakistan clearly has the upper hand against Zimbabwe, still the minnows. In 15 Tests between them, Pakistan won nine and lost two. But the real feather in the cap for Zimbabwe is the fact that they have the distinction, quite astonishingly, of beating Pakistan 1-0 in a Test series played in extreme foggy conditions in 1998-99.

Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh riding on the batting form of their captain Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza, who both cracked centuries, and young seamers Brian Vitori and Kyle Jarvis. They exploited the home conditions well and will certainly take those positives along in the match against Pakistan.

They have a decent batting line up comprising of experienced men like Taylor, Masakadza and Tatenda Taibu, and new talents in the form of Vusi Sibanda, Craig Ervine and Tinotenda Mawoyo. The last two mentioned made their debuts in the previous match.

Although none of their batsmen has a decent Test average, they can all combine to make a decent total, as all minnows do when the opponents take them lightly. In Taylor they have a young and inspiring captain.

Against Pakistan’s inexperienced seam attack, having combined experience of just 2 Tests, Zimbabwe has a real chance of taking their opponents on. Only Saeed Ajmal, the wily off-spinner, is the experienced bowler who will be difficult to negotiate for them.

Their bowling was very weak last time they played in a test. After Heath Streak and Neil Johnson, they could not find a decent Test steamer, but the young debutants Brian Vitori and Kyle Jarvis performed admirably against Bangladesh. If they get swing and seam going their way again, they can make light work of Pakistan’s batting line-up. In Ray Price, they have an experienced spinner, who has a genuine wicket-taking ability apart from strangling the scoring.

Malcolm Waller and Greg Lamb have been included in the squad after impressive outings in the 2-day warm-up against Pakistan. Keegan Meth has been dropped.

Zimbabwe squad: Brendan Taylor (cap), Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Greg Lamb, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Prosper Utseya, Malcol Waller, Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis

Probable Eleven: Tino Mawoyo, Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor (cap), Craig Ervine, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Elton Chigumbura, Ray Price, Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis, Chris Mpofu

Pakistan’s strength lies in their experienced middle order where Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik form the back bone. Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal all are rising stars and future of Pakistan as far as batting is concerned. Of all these, Azhar has confirmed his position as a reliable Test number three with his solid technique and temperament.

Opening pair will likely consist of experienced Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez. Taufeeq is a solid batsman, but Hafeez can be vulnerable against the moving ball. If Shoaib Malik plays then both Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal will have to sit out, which is a backward step, as both need to be groomed for the future. By not giving them opportunity against a minnow, Pakistan would do injustice to them.

Younis Khan is a class act, and if he finds rhythm, will be too hard to dislodge for Zimbabwe. Misbah too is in the middle of a sensational batting form. If openers give them a decent start Zimbabwe will be up against it. Ramiz Raja junior, a promising batsman, and Imran Farhat will. In all likelihood, sit out.

Pakistan’s seam attack is surprisingly inexperienced and mostly brand new, but talented as always. In Junaid khan they have found a good strike bowler. Against minnows he should provide the early breakthroughs which Pakistan needs for Saeed Ajmal to make it hard for Zimbabwean middle order.

Yasir Shah is the new leg spinner, but he will play only if the conditions favour adding a second spinner. If Pakistan goes with a three-pronged seam attack, then Hafeez will perform second spinner’s duties. In that case, two among Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan and Aizaz Cheema will be selected.

Sohail Tanvir is coming back after a long lay-off. That fact along with his brittle body makes him unlikely for se; selected. But that leaves the door open for two debuts, Junaid khan a certainty, and Aizaz Cheema, a pacy seamer who has special ability to reverse swing the old ball. Sohail Khan has played a test, but although he has good pace and control, he is a passenger in the field and is also injury prone.

Pakistan squad: Taufeeq Umar, M Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal, Yasir Shah, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan, Sohail Khan, Ramiz Raja Jr, Imran Farhat, Shoaib Malik

Likely Eleven: Taufeeq Umar, M Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal, Yasir Shah, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan

Watch out for: Azhar Ali, Junaid Khan, Brendan Taylor, Brian Vitori

Prediction: 1-0 to Pakistan