Pakistan posts 303/6 in decisive ODI against Zimbabwe

Bulawayo: Pakistan posted a challenging total of 303/6 in their allotted 50 overs during the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe, setting up a thrilling decider in Bulawayo.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan got off to a solid start, thanks to a 58-run opening partnership between Abdullah Shafique (52) and Saim Ayub. The pair provided a steady foundation, ensuring Pakistan remained on track for a competitive total.

However, it was Kamran Ghulam who stole the spotlight, scoring his maiden ODI century. His knock anchored Pakistan’s innings and laid the platform for a big total. Ghulam’s solid performance was supported by Mohammad Rizwan, who added valuable runs with a composed 41, stabilizing the middle order after a few wickets fell.

Salman Ali Agha contributed a quick cameo, scoring 24 runs, while Tayyab Tahir added fireworks in the final overs. Tahir’s unbeaten 29 off 16 balls, including four boundaries, helped Pakistan accumulate 69 runs in the last five overs, pushing their total past 300.

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Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Richard Ngarava (2/55) and Blessing Muzarabani (1/66), bowled well in the middle overs but struggled towards the end, conceding runs through wides and no-balls. At one point, it seemed Pakistan might struggle to cross 275, but the late surge ensured they surpassed the 300-run mark, giving them a commanding total.

With a strong total on the board, Pakistan’s bowlers will now have a chance to defend the total against Zimbabwe, who face a difficult chase to level the series.