ZIM vs PAK: Zimbabwe stuns Pakistan in first ODI with rain-affected win via DLS Method

Zimbabwe secured an unexpected victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of their three-match series, thanks to a rain-affected finish under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Persistent rainfall disrupted the match on Sunday, and the hosts eventually won by 80 runs.

Prior to the rain interruption, Pakistan’s batting woes were evident as they found themselves in deep trouble, losing six wickets for just 60 runs on the board. Under the DLS method, Pakistan were 81 runs behind the required target at the time of the interruption. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan (19*) and debutant Aamir Jamal (0*) were the last remaining batsmen at the crease when the match was called off, leaving Pakistan facing a daunting challenge to recover.

After being sent in to bat first, Zimbabwe managed to post a total of 205 runs, being bowled out in 40.2 overs. The hosts began their innings in explosive fashion, with openers Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani putting on 40 runs in just six overs. However, their promising start was short-lived as Gumbie was run out in the sixth over for 15 runs off 17 balls.

Marumani continued to anchor the innings but was involved in quick succession partnerships before being dismissed for 29 off 41 balls, including two fours and a six, leaving Zimbabwe at 83/4 in the 16th over. The middle-order collapse then saw Zimbabwe reduced to 125/7 in 25.4 overs.

In a spirited fightback, Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava put together a crucial 62-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Raza scored a fighting 56-ball 39, including six boundaries, before being dismissed by debutant Faisal Akram in the 38th over. Faisal also claimed the wicket of Blessing Muzarabani for a duck, reducing Zimbabwe to 187/9.

Despite the collapse, Ngarava’s gritty 48 off 52 balls, featuring six boundaries and a six, propelled Zimbabwe’s total past the 200-run mark. He was supported by Trevor Gwandu (3*) in an unbroken 10th-wicket partnership.

Pakistan’s bowlers put in a commendable effort, with Faisal Akram and Agha Salman leading the charge with three wickets each. Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Aamir Jamal also chipped in with one wicket each.

The second ODI is set to be held at the same venue on Tuesday, 26th November.

Zimbabwe Playing XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Joylord Gumbie(w), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine(c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Haseebullah Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Faisal Akram