Shaoib Malik
Shoaib Malik has been amongst the runs for Pakistan in the series.Reuters

Though Pakistan's third ODI against Zimbabwe may be a dead rubber, the men in green will be eager to clean sweep the series and finish it on a high after a disappointing series against Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe might have lost both their matches, but they did not go down without a fight on both the counts. While chasing around 370 odd runs in the first ODI, they scored 334 runs and showed that they are not going to be bullied easily. In the second ODI, Pakistan turned triumphant with six wickets.

But Zimbabwe, after losing the T20 series and their first two ODIs, have failed to register a single victory under their belt. Hence, a victory in the third ODI can restore some pride for the African nation.

The contest between the two sides has been an entertaining one and the third ODI at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore should be no different as well.

Pakistan will be keen on the services of their batsmen, such as skipper Azhar Ali and Shoaib Malik, as both the players have looked in great shape throughout the series with centuries against their names.

The skipper has led the team from the front and will be trying to do the same in the last ODI as well. Their top order has been amongst the runs, which keeps them in a strong position.

In the bowling department, it is Wahab Riaz who has spread his magic taking five crucial wickets in the series. Though Mohammad Sami might have found a place in the team, he is yet to justify it as he has not only gone wicket-less, but has also proved to be too expensive.

Despite the loss, the Zimbabweans have also been more than decent with the bat, as their players Sikandar Raza and Elton Chigumbura have scored a ton each as well. CJ Chibhabha and Hamilton Masakadza have also been amongst the runs.

Hence, the third match between the two can also be expected to be a high score game with the players from both the sides having used their willow to good effect.

But, serious doubts arose about the match taking shape at Lahore with a suicide bomber blowing himself just 1 km away from the stadium on Friday.

The Zimbabweans have been assured of security, hence the game will progress as scheduled.

"He (Vaince, capital city police officer) assured the travelling party of continued safety on the tour, and said the fact that the blast occurred outside their red zone means that the security measures put in place for the tour were not breached," AP quoted Zimbabwe team spokesman Lovemore Banda as saying.

Where to Watch Live

The third ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe is scheduled for 4 pm local time (4.30 pm IST, 12 pm BST, 7 am ET) start.

India Ten Cricket
US Willow TV
Pakistan PTV SPorts
Country  Online links
Pakistan PTV Sports Live
US Willow TV Online