ZIM vs PAK: Pakistan defeats Zimbabwe to win ODI series 2-1

Kamran Ghulam's stellar maiden century and a combined bowling effort helped Pakistan secure a dominant 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the ODI series decider at Queens Sports Club. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 303/6, which Zimbabwe was unable to chase down, ultimately falling short at 204.

Zimbabwe’s chase started in disarray, losing two early wickets for just 10 runs inside the first three overs. The home side’s run chase hit a further snag when Tadiwanashe Marumani was dismissed in the ninth over, leaving Zimbabwe in a precarious position at 39/3.

Skipper Craig Ervine, however, continued to fight, partnering with Sean Williams to add 41 crucial runs for the fourth wicket. Ervine's defiant 63-ball 51, which included five fours and a six, remained Zimbabwe’s top score. His efforts, though, were in vain as he fell to Aamir Jamal in the 26th over.

Brian Bennett provided a brief resistance with a quick-fire 37 off 27 balls, but despite his valiant efforts, Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack was too much for the Zimbabweans, who were bowled out for 204.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a formidable target, posting 303/6 in their 50 overs. The opening pair of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique laid a solid foundation, putting on 58 runs. Ayub, who had scored a century in the previous match, contributed 31 off 37 balls before falling to Faraz Akram in the 13th over.

Kamran Ghulam took charge of Pakistan's innings, playing a crucial role in two key partnerships. He first added 89 runs with captain Mohammad Rizwan (37 off 47 balls), and then another 74-run stand with Abdullah Shafique (50 off 68 balls). Ghulam’s 103 off 99 balls, which included 10 fours and four sixes, anchored the Pakistan innings and helped them reach a challenging total.

Salman Ali Agha (30 off 26 balls) and Tayyab Tahir (29* off 16 balls) provided quick cameos towards the end, pushing the total past the 300-run mark.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought hard, with Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava picking up two wickets each. Blessing Muzarabani and Faraz Akram contributed with one wicket each but could not stem the flow of runs as Pakistan amassed over 300.

Pakistan's bowlers stepped up to the challenge, with each of Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Aamir Jamal claiming two wickets. Kamran Ghulam and Faisal Akram also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring Zimbabwe's chase never gained momentum.

With the victory, Pakistan sealed a convincing 99-run win, clinching the series and securing a well-rounded performance across both bat and ball.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk/c), Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed. 

Zimbabwe: Joylord Gumbie, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine(c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Faraz Akram, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Clive Madande