Sun Nov 24 08:30:13 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Elects to Field First in ODI Series Opener Against Zimbabwe
**BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe** – Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first in the opening One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe on Sunday. The match marks the ODI debuts of Aamer Jamal, Haseebullah Khan, and Faisal Akram for Pakistan, who rested key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the series.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed confidence in his team, hoping to build on their recent 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia – their first win in Australia in 22 years. He acknowledged the potentially challenging early conditions but aimed to capitalize on them. Haris Rauf, a standout performer in the Australia series, will lead the Pakistan pace attack.
Zimbabwe, boasting an experienced batting lineup including Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams, also welcomed a debutant – all-rounder Brian Bennett. Captain Ervine, while preferring to bowl first in the overcast conditions, expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparations.
The three-match ODI series, followed by a three-match T20I series, will be entirely hosted in Bulawayo.
First Piper 