The Shaheens will undoubtedly be pleased with their record-breaking series in Africa…
A much hyped tri-series featuring Pakistan, Australia, and Zimbabwe ended on the 8th of July and, as predicted, the pre-tournament favourites, Pakistan, were crowned the winners – beating the Kangaroos convincingly in the final. This was not all, as the T20 series was followed by five ODI matches against Zimbabwe. Fans and critics alike may have been sure of Pakistan emerging victorious, but it was more emphatic than expected as records were shattered.
The Green Shirts dominated the first ODI, winning by 201 runs but breaking no records in the process. In the next match, it turned out to be another routine win with Fakhar Zaman getting another century. However, the third time I switched on my TV, it was quite interesting to find the Zimbabweans struggling to get 67 on the board, and it eventually turned out to be Pakistan’s largest win in terms of balls remaining in the second innings.
A record-breaking day of domination for Pakistanhttps://t.co/V5wutQZ5YU #ZIMvPAK pic.twitter.com/u40uUyxGNV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 20, 2018
Fakhar Zaman smashed a double century in the second-last match, becoming the first Pakistani to do so and created a record first-wicket stand with Imam-ul-Haq, who also managed to get two centuries under his belt in this series. Pakistan whitewashed Zimbabwe and are now on a short break before they return to action once again.
We will first be seeing them compete for the Asia Cup 2018, and this time hopes will be soaring high as the team is not fragile, yet strong and ready to attack. With the schedule out now, the India vs. Pakistan clash is scheduled for the 19th of September. The series following it will be against Australia and New Zealand and will also be held in the UAE.
On September 19, India and Pakistan will face off for the first time since the 2017 Champions Trophy final https://t.co/uQslG7t4BQ #AsiaCup
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 25, 2018
The Pakistan team seems to have a good pre-World Cup preparation camp set up with upcoming series against top sides, including the South Africans in December-January. The team will also tour England just before the World Cup in May for a white-ball series against the hosts, allowing them a chance to get accustomed to the pitches and leave a mark in next summer’s mega event.
Wishing the team all the best for what’s to come!