World Cup Betting: Pakistan v Zimbabwe

Match Previews / Ed Hawkins / 13 March 2011 /

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Kamran Akmal should survive

"Despite Pakistan’s effort last time out, we cannot expect them to turn in another disgraceful performance"

Ed Hawkins expects Pakistan to get over their disappointment against the Kiwis last time out and turn it on in Pallekele on Monday

London start time: 09.00

Team news
Pakistan have produced their characteristically dreadful performance already - they
were hammered by New Zealand on this ground - but that doesn't necessarily mean changes to the XI.

Openers Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad have scored only 93 runs between them in four innings each and are under pressure. There are no obvious replacements, however.

Kamran Akmal's place was under threat after his clown impression against New Zealand. But Umar Akmal, his brother, reckons he has a finger injury, so can't take the gloves.

Zimbabwe coach Alan Butcher has said there were concerns over captain Elton Chigumbura. "I am not sure whether the captaincy is weighing on him but obviously his lack of form, and he is strong enough to admit that, is a worry because he has got the ability."

Venue and conditions
The Pallekele surface has looked sluggish one minute and a road the next. Sri Lanka were cruising to a mammoth score and then lost their way against Zimbabwe. New Zealand were meandering along until a late assault. The true nature is probably a good batting surface, which is not great news for the Zims who need a little bit of help to build pressure.

Match odds
Despite Pakistan's effort last time out, we cannot expect them to turn in another disgraceful performance. They will make sure they win this game to ensure qualification. The market, of course, is in agreement. Pakistan are [1.11] and Zimbabwe, bowled out cheaply three times by Test sides, are [9.20]. Expect a cosy Pakistan win.

Top batsman - Pakistan
Middle order maestros like [6.00] Misbah (192 runs) and [7.00] Umar Akmal (167) are the ones to watch. Pakistan need Younis Khan (128) and Kamran Akmal (118) to convert their starts and will be hoping for more from their openers.

Top batsman - Zimbabwe
Brendan Taylor (140) is the leading Zimbabwean run scorer followed by Tatenda Taibu (117) and Craig Ervine (113).

Featured market
Shahid Afridi's 15 wickets in the tournamentat an economy rate of 3.36 make him the obvious Pakistan bowler to follow.

Best bet: lay Zimbabwe for 225 or more at [4.00]

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