Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – 1st Test Betting Tips

Host Zimbabwe will be looking to put on a decent show when they take on Pakistan in the opening game of the two-match series at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

Zimbabwe have included five uncapped players in the Test squad for the two-match series. Skipper Sean Williams will be hoping that the side can adjust to the conditions and put up a strong fight against Pakistan.

On the other hand, Pakistan will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the five-day format. The visitors have announced their full-strength squad for the two-match series against Zimbabwe.

Both teams have competed in 17 Tests in the history of five-day format where Pakistan have an upper hand with 10 wins compared to Zimbabwe’s three victories whereas four matches ended as a draw.

In the previous six Test matches played between the two teams at Harare, Pakistan have managed to come out on top on four occasions.

Zimbabwe Form and Team News

Zimbabwe returns to Test action for the first time since March 2021 and will be raring to do well in this two-match series against Pakistan. Their preparations will be not helped by injuries to premier players like Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Kyle Jarvis, who will miss the Test series.

For Zimbabwe, the Test series will be an opportunity to turn their fortunes around in the five-day format against a strong opponent.

In the batting department, the home side will be boosted by the return of former captain Brendan Taylor, who joins the team after missing the previous Test series against Afghanistan.

For this series opener, the side will be relying heavily on the likes of Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor, and Prince Masvaure to deliver the bulk of the runs.

Given his excellent performances in the recently concluded T20I series, Luke Jongwe might make his Test debut for Zimbabwe.

In the bowling department, the onus will be on the pace trio of Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi, and Luke Jongwe to make crucial breakthroughs.

Pakistan Form and Team News

The visitors will have to guard against complacency and make adjustments to their game for this first Test against Zimbabwe.

In the batting department, the onus will be on the likes of Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, and Mohammad Rizwan to deliver the bulk of the runs.

Since April 2020, Babar Azam has produced decent numbers with the bat in red-ball cricket. Babar Azam has accumulated 317 runs in nine innings at an average of 39.62 with three half-centuries to his name. Pakistan’s premier batsman will be keen to get back amongst the runs in this two-match Test series.

In the bowling department, the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf will need to provide crucial breakthroughs. Mohammad Nawaz and Nauman Ali will be two premier spinners for this game.

Odds by Casumo

According to the Casumo sportsbook, Pakistan will be favorites to win this opening game of the series to be played at Harare Sports Club. For the opening Test, Pakistan are placed at 1.26 odds, while Zimbabwe at 7.50 odds.

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Our Tipster’s Angle

Based on the current form, Pakistan will be favorites to win the series opener against Zimbabwe.

The pressure on skipper Sean Williams and the experienced Brendan Taylor in what will otherwise be a hugely inexperienced line-up that they field in Harare.

With the likes of Hasan Ali, Muhammad Rizwan, and Azhar Ali showing excellent form in red-ball cricket, the visitors will be looking to draw first blood in the series opener.

Therefore, the prediction is for Pakistan to register a comprehensive win in the series opener at Harare.

Tip 1: Fawad Alam to continue his fairytale comeback for Pakistan

Since making his international comeback for Pakistan last year, Fawad Alam has delivered excellent batting performances in different conditions. Left-hander has the knack of scoring runs when the team is under pressure.

Since August 2020, Fawad Alam has accumulated 320 runs in 6 Tests at an average of 35.20 with two centuries to his name.

Given his splendid batting performances in Test cricket, we expect Fawad Alam to score 40 runs or more in this series [email protected].

Tip 2: Hasan Ali to lead the charge for Pakistan with the new-ball

After being recalled to the national side earlier this year, Pacer Hasan Ali has been a consistent performer for Pakistan in all three formats. In the recently concluded T20I series, Hasan Ali delivered excellent performances for Pakistan.

In the Test series played against South Africa, Hasan Ali topped the bowling charts for Pakistan and picked up a ten-wicket haul in the final game played at Rawalpindi.

Given that pacer has rediscovered his mojo with the ball, we are expecting Hasan Ali to take four wickets or more in this first [email protected]

Conclusion

Expect Pakistan to register a comprehensive win over Zimbabwe and go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

1. Fawad Alam to score 40 runs or more in this series opener- [email protected]
2. Hasan Ali to take four wickets or more in this first game- [email protected]

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