Sun Nov 24 11:02:37 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan to Test Bench Strength Against Zimbabwe in ODI Series
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe –** Pakistan will begin a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Sunday, November 24th. The series serves as a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to assess their depth, with several key players rested, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.
Coming off a historic ODI series win against Australia – their first in 22 years – Pakistan are confident, but their focus shifts to developing their bench strength under new white-ball coach Aaqib Javed. Javed has emphasized the importance of ODI performance with the Champions Trophy on the horizon.
The absence of Babar Azam means that players like Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, captain Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam will shoulder the batting responsibility. The Pakistan team includes three debutants, notably Aamer Jamal, who impressed in Test cricket.
While Pakistan are clear favorites, Zimbabwe, boosted by recent strong performances in regional T20 qualifiers and players like Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, pose a significant challenge. The series promises to be a compelling contest between a strong, albeit inexperienced, Pakistan side and a determined Zimbabwean team.
First Piper 