Pakistan and Zimbabwe meet in the first T20I at Rawalpindi, where conditions often suit fast bowlers early before settling into a balanced surface. Pakistan enter the contest as favourites after strong recent form in both white-ball formats and the return of key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Zimbabwe arrive after a difficult run and the loss of Blessing Muzarabani, though they still lean on the experience of Sikandar Raza and senior batters. The matchup sets the stage for a venue that has produced competitive totals and several standout individual performances in T20Is.
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How many T20Is has Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosted?
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has hosted nine T20 internationals to date.
How many spectators can Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hold?
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Pitch report
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers a batting-friendly pitch, where teams batting 2nd have won most of the matches in this venue. Early in the game, fast bowlers would get a little help from the pitch. Spinners would get a good turn on this pitch as the game progresses.
The Rawalpindi surface has often produced run-fests, with conditions typically improving for batters as the match progresses. Dew is likely to play a part later in the evening, making it tougher for bowlers to grip the ball. Given that, the skipper winning the toss will likely opt to chase under the lights.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Average scores and toss results in T20Is
Total Matches | 9 |
Matches won batting first | 1 |
Matches won bowling first | 6 |
Average Score 1st innings score | 137 |
Average Score 2nd innings score | 146 |
What happened in the previous T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium?
South Africa beat Pakistan by 55 runs in the previous T20I at Rawalpindi. The visitors posted 194 for 9 before bowling out Pakistan for 139 in 18.1 overs. George Linde starred with 36 off 22 and took 3 for 31 to claim Player of the Match.
What is the highest score by a team at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20Is?
The highest team total in a T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is 194 for 4, scored by New Zealand against Pakistan on 24 April 2023.
What is the lowest score by a team at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20Is?
The lowest team total in a T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is 90, scored by New Zealand against Pakistan on 20 April 2024. The visitors struggled throughout their innings, lasting only 18.1 overs as Pakistan’s attack kept tight control and never allowed the scoring to lift.
MORE: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe prediction, lineups, betting tips, odds and live scorecard for 1st T20
What is the highest individual score at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20Is?
The highest individual score in a T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is 104 not out, scored by Mark Chapman for New Zealand against Pakistan on 24 April 2023.
What is the best bowling figure at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20Is?
The best bowling figures in a T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium belong to Usman Qadir, who took 4 for 13 from his four overs for Pakistan against Zimbabwe on 10 November 2020. His spell kept Zimbabwe in check and remains the standout bowling performance at the venue.
Which batter has the most runs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20Is?
Mark Chapman holds the record for the most runs in T20Is at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The New Zealand left-hander has scored 281 runs in five innings at an extraordinary average of 281.00, powered by a century and two fifties. His consistent scoring and ability to dominate Pakistan’s attack across two tours make him the most prolific batter at the venue.
Which bowler has the most wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in T20Is?
Usman Qadir is the leading wicket-taker in T20Is at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. He has taken 8 wickets in 3 matches, highlighted by his standout spell of 4 for 13, which also ranks as the best bowling performance at the venue.
All stats via ESPN cricinfo
PAK vs. ZIM betting odds & predictions: Who will win?
According to Dafabet, Pakistan enter the first T20I as clear favourites, priced at 1.17 compared to Zimbabwe’s 4.95.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Pakistan | 1.17 |
Zimbabwe | 4.95 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Pakistan to win: Strong recent form and a full-strength squad put the hosts in a commanding position.
- Babar Azam to score 50+: His rhythm after the Sri Lanka series makes him Pakistan’s most dependable batter.
- Shaheen Afridi to take 2+ wickets: Early swing and death-overs accuracy should trouble Zimbabwe’s top order.
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