Summary The Zimbabweans handed international debuts to wicketkeeper Ryan Murray and offspinner Liam Roche.
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (AFP) - Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to field in the first of five one-day internationals against Pakistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Friday.
Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza had no hesitation in sticking Pakistan in to bat first on a pitch that traditionally aids seamers in the morning.
The Zimbabweans handed international debuts to wicketkeeper Ryan Murray and offspinner Liam Roche, while Asif Ali will make his ODI debut in Pakistan’s middle order.
There was no space yet for legspinner Yasir Shah in Pakistan’s line-up, however, with 19-year-old legspinner Shadab Khan the only specialist slow bowler picked by Pakistan.
Yasir missed Pakistan’s tour of England with a stress fracture. Top order batsman Babar Azam, who is also returning from an injury lay-off, was included while left handed opener Imam ul Haq returned to Pakistan’s starting XI.
England’s Ian Gould and Zimbabwean Langton Rusere will officiate in the match.
