To extract the positives, there are many for Zimbabwe. They have had their moments in the series time and again, and they have, quite certainly, been better than what the score-line suggests. It is the severe lack of capitalization that has plagued Zimbabwe for long, and much to their disliking, of course, they have managed to flounder once more.

Scripting a similar tale as they did in the ODIs, Zimbabwe punched above their weight in the opening game of the series, as Wesley Madhavere’s sturdy 70-run knock guided the team to a healthy total of 156. However, an inexperienced bowling attack did not have enough in it to curtail the hosts. Much like the second ODI – where the visitors were outsmarted quite convincingly, and the game unfurled as a better representation of the skill-sets of the two sides – the Men in Red, in the second T20I, managed to put up an underwhelming show with the bat before Pakistan came out and walked all over them.

It would have taken some exceptional bowling to defend 134 runs, and quite manifestly, Babar Azam’s men faced no trouble as they out batted their opponents in merely 15.1 overs with 8 wickets in hand. For Zimbabwe, their standout performer Blessing Muzarabani has, indeed, been a blessing. Well, the cheeky pun aside, Muzarabani’s antics have not been able to take his side home.

And Pakistan deserves some credit for that. While with the ball, Haris Rauf has left an impression; with the bat, skipper Azam – who has piled up four consecutive 50+ scores in the series – has led from the front.

Having said that, Pakistan must have a Super Over defeat fresh in their memories. Given the eerie similarity in the pattern of the ODI and T20I series thus far, Zimbabwe would be wanting to give the series an anticlimactic end, and this time more desperately as their former captain and all-rounder Elton Chigumbura will be playing his last for the country. So, can he leave on a winning note? Is there another upset on the cards? Time will tell.

Pitch and conditions 

An even contest between the bat and ball is expected. The strip at Rawalpindi has, so far, offered enough assistance to the spinners and pacers, and the same could be the case this time, too. There should be no problem with the skies, and a complete match is certain.

Playing combination for PAK vs ZIM

Pakistan

With the series in their bag, Pakistan might go ahead with a couple of changes in their team. Fakhar Zaman did not get a chance to play in the 50-over format, and he has not been able to leave an impression in the two games. Haider Ali is coming after a magnificent 66-run knock and would be assisted by the likes of experienced Mohammad Hafeez and Mohammad Rizwan. Both Usman Qadir and Haris Rauf bagged three wickets each in the last game, and finished with impressive economy rates.

Probable XI- Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Wahab Riaz/Muhammad Musa, Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain/Shaheen Afridi

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s batting has been highly reliant on Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams. Their skipper Chamu Chibhabha has not been amongst the runs, although Wesley Madhevere has shone with the bat. All-rounder Chigumbura would want to make a contribution given this is his last outing. The visitors will once again rely heavily on Muzarabani and spinner Tendai Chisoro. Any change in their side looks improbable.

Probable XI- Brendan Taylor (WK), Chamu Chibhabha (C), Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Carl Mumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

PAK vs ZIM Head to head 

Played – 13 | Pakistan won – 13 | Zimbabwe won – 0

PAK vs ZIM Broadcast details

Match Timings- 4:00 PM (IST), 3:30 PM (Local).

Live Streaming– PCB’s official Youtube channel