Zimbabwe Triumph Over Pakistan by 80 Runs via DLS in First ODI

Zimbabwe secured an 80-run victory against Pakistan via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the opening match of the three-game ODI series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday.

Chasing a modest target of 206 after dismissing Zimbabwe for 205 in 40.2 overs, Pakistan crumbled under pressure, losing six wickets for just 60 runs in 21 overs.

The game was interrupted by rain, and the DLS method handed Zimbabwe a well-deserved win, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

Dominance with the Ball

Earlier, after electing to bowl, Pakistan’s spinners dominated Zimbabwe’s batting. Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha and debutant Faisal Akram both claimed three wickets apiece, dismantling the hosts’ lineup.

Zimbabwe’s innings had a shaky start as Joylord Gumbie (15) was run out in the sixth over, followed by Dion Myers (8) who fell to Agha.

Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed a cautious 29 off 44 balls before succumbing to Agha, while skipper Craig Ervine’s poor form continued with a 6-run knock.

Zimbabwe relied on resistance from Sikandar Raza (39 off 56) and a late cameo from Richard Ngarava, who top-scored with 48 off 52 balls, to reach a competitive total.

For Pakistan, Aamir Jamal (1/42) and Mohammad Hasnain (1/43) proved expensive, while Haris Rauf picked up a crucial scalp.

Batting Collapse

Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum as Zimbabwe’s bowlers made inroads early.

Quick wickets left the visitors reeling at 60/6 before rain interrupted proceedings. With no further play possible, Zimbabwe claimed the win.

Team Updates and Background

The series marks Pakistan’s second ODI assignment this month, following a historic 2-1 triumph against Australia in their backyard.

The Green Shirts made changes to their squad, bringing in uncapped players Abrar Ahmed and Ahmed Daniyal, alongside Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir, replacing Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Arafat Minhas.

Zimbabwe last faced Pakistan in ODIs in 2020, losing 2-1 in Rawalpindi.

However, Pakistan enjoyed complete dominance on their last Zimbabwe tour, sweeping a five-match ODI series in 2018.

The teams will play the second ODI at the same venue, followed by a three-match T20I series.

Pakistan XI: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saim Ayub.

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