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Saim Ayub And...? 3 Players To Watch Out For During Pakistan's 3rd ODI Against Zimbabwe

Soumyajit Dutta

Saim Ayub is one of the top players to watch out for in the 3rd ODI [Source: @ESPNCricinfo/X.com]Saim Ayub is one of the top players to watch out for in the 3rd ODI [Source: @ESPNCricinfo/X.com]

The Pakistan vs Zimbabwe series did not start on a good note for the Men in Green as the hosts stunned the visitors with a dominating victory in the opening ODI of the three-match series in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe beat Pakistan by 80 runs through DLS method as rain hampered the play.

In the second ODI, Pakistan had a strong performance, securing a convincing 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe managed to score only 145 runs in 32.3 overs, which Pakistan's openers chased down effortlessly, completing the target in just 18.2 overs.

With the three-match series tied, the Babar-Azam led relatively young squad will take the field in Queens Sports Club. Hence, let's take a look at the key players from both teams who can make an impact on the game on November 28.

3 Players Who Can Be Game Changers In PAK vs ZIM 3rd ODI Match

3. Blessing Muzarabani

The 2017 debutant Zimbabwe player, Blessing Muzarabani has so far played 49 ODI innings and has proven to be a crucial seamer for his team, taking 62 wickets with an astonishing economy rate of 5.04.  

The 28-year-old was pivotal in the first ODI that Pakistan played in the series. The Harare-born bowler took two wickets, dismissing Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, while maintaining a remarkable economy of 1.80 in the five overs he bowled. The pitch at Queens Sports Club has been pace-friendly and is expected to remain so for the 3rd ODI, which could help Muzarabani take more wickets.

2. Abrar Ahmed 

The right-arm leg-spin bowler, Abrar Ahmed, was a key player for Pakistan in their comfortable victory in the second ODI. The 26-year-old was in peak form, taking four wickets and breaking through Zimbabwe's foundational batting early in the match.  

Although Abrar does not have extensive experience in ODIs, his Test match statistics showcase his competency. He has played a total of 15 Test innings, in which he took 39 wickets with an economy rate of 3.65. Following the second ODI, Ahmed will like to strengthen his position in Pakistan's ODI squad as he might also eye for a spot in the Champions Trophy squad.

1. Saim Ayub

Fresh off his century in the second ODI against Zimbabwe, the 22-year-old batter will be eager for more. The young southpaw recently debuted against Australia and delivered an impressive performance in the second ODI.

In his career, Ayub has played only 5 matches but has shone with impressive stats, scoring 249 runs at an average of 62.25. He also boasts a striking strike rate of 120.3. His recent century against Zimbabwe, along with his partnership with Abdullah Shafique, will give Ayub the confidence to perform well in the upcoming match.