RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam warned his side shouldn’t take Zimbabwe lightly on eve of the first of three One-day Internationals at the Pindi Cricket Stadium here on Friday with points at stake for both teams in the newly-instituted World Cup Super League, which is the qualification process for the 50-over mega event in 2023.

The Zimbabwe series, which also features three Twenty20 Internationals at the same venue, is the beginning of a busy season for Pakistan who are also slated to host England and South Africa.

Zimbabwe skipper Chamu Chibhabha, on the other hand, admitted that his side is desperately looking to get to winning ways after failing to qualify for the 2019 World Cup in England.

During Thursday’s pre-series media conferences, both Babar and Chibhabha indicated they their teams would play entertaining cricket despite the lack of crowd due to the bio-secure bubble in wake of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Babar, who will be leading Pakistan for the first time in a One-day International, said the hosts wont’ underestimate the low-ranked Zimbabwe, against the green shirts have won 52 of the 59 matches in this format.

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“Our aim is not only to win the one-day series but also the T20 games [against Zimbabwe] because we want to build confidence for matches against stronger teams which Pakistan will play in the coming months,” Babar said. “But having said that we can’t take Zimbabwe easy and my message to our players to give 110 percent because we are targeting a whitewash to ensure Pakistan earn maximum points in the Super League. Every match counts since each point matters.”

Recalling the last time Pakistan played Zimbabwe — winning 5-0 in away one-day series, Babar pointed out the visiting side looks a bit stronger. “This time round, they have several experienced players.”

When asked how the players would react while playing behind closed doors, Babar remarked: “Obviously it is something not in our hands. But there is no doubt we will all dearly miss our fans whose support always help players gain inspiration.

Babar predicted bright future for novice batsmen Haider Ali and Abdullah Shafiq, while adding both are extremely talented

“Haider made an excellent debut in the England T20 series. He always plays attacking cricket and is not afraid to go for quick runs. Abdullah takes little time in settling but he is capable of scoring quickly if the situation demands,” the Pakistan said. “These two are different type of players and I like both of them. Although they are not named for the opening match, we will try them at some stage.”

Babar further revealed that untried leg-spinner Usman Qadir — who was named in the shortened 15-man squad on Thursday as cover for the unfit Shadab Khan who has ruled out for the series opener because of a leg injury — will be given chance during the series.

Chibhabha, meanwhile, said Zimbabwe would adopt aggressive approach in batting to combat the threat of Pakistan bowlers such as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wahab Riaz.

“Unless we are able to dominate the [Pakistan] bowling, there is no chance for Zimbabwe to win matches. I promise we are going to play good cricket and are not here just to compete,” Chibhabha vowed. “We have been a side which struggles in finishing matches. But there is more desperation on our part to win and win consistently. And considering these are Super League matches, each game becomes very crucial for both teams.”

Zimbabwe have a good mix of experienced players in former captains Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams and Elton Chigumbura as well as the Pakistan-born Sikandar Raza and paceman Blessing Muzarabani, who will be featuring for his country for the first time since 2018.

Teams (from):

PAKISTAN: Babar Azam (captain), Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Musa Khan.

ZIMBABWE: Chamu Chibhabha (captain), Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wesley Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Carl Mumba, Richmond Mutumbami, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams.

Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and Ahsan Raza (Pakistan).

TV umpire: Asif Yaqoob (Pakistan).

Match referee: Mohammad Javed Malik (Pakistan).

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2020