Pakistan Seals ODI Series with 99-Run Triumph Over Zimbabwe

Pakistan secured a resounding 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third One Day International (ODI) on Thursday at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, clinching the series 2-1.

Kamran Ghulam’s Century Leads the Charge

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 303/6 in their 50 overs.

Kamran Ghulam laid the foundation by scoring his maiden ODI century.

His knock of 103 runs off 99 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes, was the highlight of Pakistan’s innings.

Kamran was well-supported by opener Abdullah Shafique, who contributed 50 off 68 balls, and skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who added 37 runs to the total during an 89-run partnership with Kamran.

Additionally, their combined efforts laid a solid foundation for the innings.

In the latter overs, Salman Ali Agha (30 off 26 balls) and Tayyab Tahir (29 not out off 16 balls) added quick runs, pushing Pakistan past the 300-mark.

For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava claimed two wickets each, while Blessing Muzarabani and Faraz Akram took one apiece.

Zimbabwe Struggle in the Chase

Chasing 304, Zimbabwe faltered early, losing two wickets for just 10 runs in the first three overs.

Despite skipper Craig Ervine’s gritty half-century (51 off 63 balls), the hosts could only manage 204 runs before being bowled out.

Ervine attempted to stabilize the innings with a 39-run stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani and a 41-run partnership with Sean Williams.

However, consistent breakthroughs by Pakistan’s bowlers derailed Zimbabwe’s chase.

Aamir Jamal spearheaded the bowling attack with two vital wickets, while Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Muhammad Irfan Khan each contributed a wicket.

Praise From the PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the team’s performance, stating, “The players outclassed Zimbabwe in the series decider to secure a well-deserved victory.”

Playing XIs

Pakistan (unchanged):

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram.

Zimbabwe (two changes):

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

With this victory, Pakistan sealed the series, showcasing dominance in all departments of the game.