(Source X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the schedule for their upcoming white-ball series against the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team, set to take place in November and December this year. Pakistan’s national cricket squad, led by Babar Azam, will journey to Zimbabwe for a series featuring both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Following their underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and the USA, the Pakistan team, captained by Babar Azam, faced early elimination in the group stage of the ICC tournament. Notably, their campaign began with a defeat against the United States of America in the opening match.
Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed that the Pakistan cricket team will tour Zimbabwe later this year for a series of limited-overs matches, featuring three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). All matches are scheduled to be held exclusively at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, the sole venue for the entire tour.
The ODI series will kick off the tour, with matches scheduled for November 24, 26, and 28. Following the ODIs, the T20I series will take place on December 1, 3, and 5. This series is crucial for Pakistan as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, slated for February and March next year in Pakistan.
The tour of Zimbabwe will offer Pakistan valuable exposure to diverse playing conditions and a competitive environment, aiding their preparations for the Champions Trophy. It promises exciting cricket for fans and serves as essential groundwork for both teams ahead of future international challenges.
Pakistan last toured Zimbabwe during the 2020-21 season, where they won the T20I series 2-1. Additionally, they secured a comprehensive 2-0 victory in the Test series, highlighting their dominance during that visit.
Schedule for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Zimbabwe:
– 24 November: First ODI at Bulawayo
– 26 November: Second ODI at Bulawayo
– 28 November: Third ODI at Bulawayo
– 1 December: First T20I at Bulawayo
– 3 December: Second T20I at Bulawayo
– 5 December: Third T20I at Bulawayo
All matches will be hosted at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, ensuring a consistent venue for the entire series.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi underscored the importance of the upcoming series for Pakistan’s international cricket strategy, emphasizing its role in enhancing the country’s global cricketing stature and ensuring sustained growth in the sport.
“These series are a vital part of our strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s position in international cricket and ensure long-term sustainability for the sport in our country. We deeply value the participation of these teams and players, who will bring immense talent and competitive spirit to our fields,” Mohsin Naqvi said.
Pakistan is set to kick off their 2024-25 home international season with a series against Bangladesh, comprising of two Tests scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi from August 21-25 and Karachi from August 30 to September 3. This series will mark Bangladesh’s comeback to Test cricket in Pakistan since February 2020.
