Pakistan wins third ODI by 99 Runs, clinches series 2-1 against Zimbabwe
Pakistan's comprehensive win wraps up a successful series, as they now look ahead to future challenges.
Harare: Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 99 runs in the third and decisive ODI to win the three-match series 2-1. Pakistan set a target of 304 runs, with key contributions from Kamran Ghulam, who scored a brilliant century, and Abdullah Shafique, who made a valuable half-century. Zimbabwe was bowled out for 204 in their chase.
The match, played in Bulawayo, saw Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan winning the toss and opting to bat first. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub provided a solid start, putting up a 58-run partnership before Ayub was dismissed for 31 runs. Shafique then joined forces with Kamran Ghulam, and together they raised the team’s total to 112 runs before Shafique fell for 50.
Kamran Ghulam continued his dominant innings, completing his maiden ODI century with 103 runs off 99 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes. He was eventually dismissed, while Rizwan (37) and Salman Ali Agha (30) also contributed valuable runs. Pakistan finished their innings at 303/6 in 50 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava, each took two wickets, but could not halt the Pakistani surge.
In reply, Zimbabwe was quickly reduced to 204 all out. Craig Ervine was the top scorer for Zimbabwe with 51 runs, but no other batsman could make a significant impact. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, and Haris Rauf, each took two wickets, while Kamran Ghulam and Faisal Akram claimed one wicket apiece.
Read More: Pakistan posts 303/6 in decisive ODI against Zimbabwe
With this win, Pakistan sealed the series 2-1, having already won the second ODI by a dominant 10-wicket margin. The series had been tied 1-1 before this final match, following Zimbabwe’s victory in the rain-affected first ODI under the DLS method.
Pakistan’s Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed
Zimbabwe’s Squad: Craig Ervine (captain), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Joylord Gumbie, Devon Murray, Shan Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande, Faraz Akram, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Pakistan’s comprehensive win wraps up a successful series, as they now look ahead to future challenges.
