Pakistan aim to emphatically seal series

Pakistan carried the momentum of their T20I success into the first ODI and their batsmen put on a magnificent show. For the first time, Pakistan's top four went past fifty, with Shoaib Malik leading the way with a brilliant 76-ball 112 as they notched up 375 for 3. However, their smiles would have been tempered with the way Zimbabwe responded with the bat, finishing on 334 for 5 and losing by a margin of 41 runs.

Zimbabwe's fight showed their determination but it also exposed the problems that Pakistan's bowling department faces. The likes of Anwar Ali and Mohammad Sami were dispatched to all parts of the Gaddafi stadium and it needed the experience of Wahab Riaz, who finished with figures of 3 for 47, to help the hosts avoid a major embarrassment.

Heading into the match, Zimbabwe have suffered a big jolt while Pakistan will be aiming for a polished performance to clinch the series.

Venue: Gaddafi stadium, Lahore

Starts: 16:00 local

Weather: Clear skies with a high of 42 degrees

Team news

Pakistan

The bowling was below-par in the first ODI and they may be tempted to bolster their experience in the bowling. Anwar Ali, who had figures of 10-0-81-1, might be replaced by Junaid Khan while Sami, who was making a comeback after three years, might be given another chance after a poor first match.

Probable XI

1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Azhar Ali (c), 3 Shoaib Malik, 4 Haris Sohail, 5 Sarfraz Ahmed, 6 Asad Shafiq, 7 Hammad Azam, 8 Wahab Riaz, 9 Yasir Shah, 10 Anwar Ali/Junaid Khan, 11 Mohammad Sami

Zimbabwe

Heading into this match, they have suffered a major blow. Elton Chigumbura, who blasted 117 off 95 balls, has been suspended for the remaining two ODIs due to a slow over-rate offence. His absence will throw the team composition in disarray and it will be interesting to see how who will captain the side in his absence. Chigumbura's absence could see Roy Kaia, the 23-year-old Mountaineers allrounder, making his debut on Thursday.

Probable XI

1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Sikandar Raza, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Roy Kaia, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Craig Ervine, 7 Richmond Mutumbami, 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Tinashe Panyangara, 10 Chris Mpofu, 11 Brian Vitori