Pakistan want to continue the momentum

International cricket returned to Pakistan after a hiatus of six years and they did well to tick all the right boxes, be it on the field or off it. They would be hoping to carry forward the momentum gained from the five-wicket win in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, when the two teams lock horn once again for the second T20I at the Gaddafi stadium, Lahore on Sunday.

On paper, Zimbabwe are no match for the Asian giants, but Pakistan know very well that their fans all around the world are not just expecting a dominant effort against a weaker opponent throughout the series, but the goal is put forward a team performance that will help distance themselves from the tag of a 'mercurial' team.

Ahmed Shehzad and Mukhtar Ahmed stole the spotlight with the bat, but Pakistan would be hoping for a better effort from their bowlers. Elton Chigambura led from the front for the visitors and he will continue to be the key man for Zimbabwe.

Pakistan:

After a good performance in the 1st T20I, it is highly unlikely that Pakistan will ring in any changes. The young players enjoyed the home conditions and even though comeback man Mohammad Sami proved to be expensive, he took three wickets that should ensure a place for him in the second T20I. Shoaib Malik, on the other hand, had a forgettable comeback with the bat, but did his bit with the ball and finished the game as the most economical bowler from either side. It will be interesting to see whether skipper Shahid Afridi will persist with Malik or will be tempted to give Hammad Azam a go.

Zimbabwe

To their credit, Zimbabwe withstood a good bowling effort from Pakistan to notch up 172 thanks to Hamilton Masakadza and Chigambura, but their bowling effort lacked the edge and Pakistan were never really troubled in the chase. They let the home team score over 100 runs in the first 10 overs and if there is any change in the Zimbabwe playing XI it should be in the bowling department. Tawanda Mupariwa might replace Chris Mpofu, who had a forgettable day on Friday with figures of 3-0-32-0.