Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI Live Score

Richard Ngarava to Saim Ayub, Runs in hard from over the wicket angle and pitches the ball fuller on the stumps with a hint of inswing. Saim Ayub flicks it well in front of fine leg and runs a quick couple to start the over.

It will be Richard Ngarava to steam in from the other end. He is starting with two slips in place.

Sikandar Raza to Abdullah Shafique, Much fuller from over the wicket angle to the right-hander. Abdullah Shafique offers a front foot block to end the over.

Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, Tosses the ball up on the leg stump. Saim Ayub flicks it between mid on and square leg and gets a comfortable single to get Pakistan off the mark in the game.

Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, Drops it short again outside off. Saim Ayub tucks it straight to point from the crease.

Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, On the stumps, coming on with the arm after pitching. Saim Ayub lunges to defend but gets an inside edge straight to square leg.

Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, Tossed up on off. Saim Ayub punches it off the front foot to mid off.

Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, Comes from around the wicket and drops it short outside off. Saim Ayub cuts the ball off the back foot but straight to covers to start the game.

All in readiness to get going in the series decider. Bright blue skies and sunshine welcome the two umpires as they stride out to the middle. Craig Ervine and his men break from their huddle and take their respective positions on the field. It will be the left-hand right-hand combination of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique to open the innings for Pakistan. Zimbabwe are starting with spin in the form of Sikandar Raza. A slip in place. Here we go!

PITCH REPORT - Aamir Sohail is near the deck. He says that there is a nice breeze blowing across the ground. Feels that the rain will stay away. Tells that this was the same pitch which was used in the last game. Shares that it has been sunny over the last couple of days and therefore, he reckons that there will not be much moisture in the deck. Feels that finger spinners will get some purchase because the surface is on the drier side. Ends by saying that batters will need to be smart and need to have a method in going about their business.

Sean Williams is up for a chat. He talks about the preparations being on point for the team for this series and the lads have the belief to win the series. He further adds that he makes time for ice baths and cold water therapy which helps him stay focused and is a very good way for him to relax after games. He talks about his batting average being right up there with some of the best players in the world and he feels proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Tadiwanashe Marumani, Joylord Gumbie (WK), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (C), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (In for Brandon Mavuta), Faraz Akram (In for Trevor Gwandu), Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani. 

Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe says that they anyway wanted to bowl first. Adds that it has been hard to read the conditions and feels that the wicket will not change much. Tells that they want to put it all together and play well. Mentions that they haven’t beaten Pakistan in an ODI series and this is an exciting opportunity for them to create history. Informs that they have two changes with Clive Madande coming in for Brandon Mavuta and Faraz Akram comes in for Trevor Gwandu.

The captain of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan says that they are looking to bat first as the same wicket was used in the last game and feels that batting fourth on this wicket will not be easy. He further adds that they have given 5 new faces chances in this series and they are going with the same team, giving the guys another chance to perform for the country.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the flip of the coin and they will BAT first.