Pakistan closed the ODI series against Zimbabwee won the series 2-1 with a 99-run victory in the third match at the Queens Sports Club. A perfect batting performance led by him Kamran Ghulam‘s brilliant century and impressive bowling display ensured Pakistan’s dominance.
Pakistan got a tough result against Zimbabwe
Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat and posted 303/6 in 50 overs. The innings revolved around Kamran’s 103 off 99 which included 10 fours and 4 sixes. He anchored the innings after steady starts from Saim Ayub (31) and Abdullah Shafiqa (50).
Wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan scored a crucial 37 runs, while middle-order batsmen Agha Salman (26 off 30) and Tayyab Tahir (16 off 29) added quick runs towards the end. Zimbabwe bowlers struggled to make strides, with only Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava picking two wickets each as they conceded 47 and 55 runs respectively.
Zimbabwe’s batting is faltering under pressure
Chasing 304 for victory, Zimbabwe’s innings never gained momentum. He hit 204 at 40.1. Captain Craig Ervine quickly led from the front with 51 off 63 balls, but he lacked support from the top order.
The middle order put up a brief resistance, with Brian Bennett hitting 37 off 27 balls and Sean Williams hitting 24, but successive wickets derailed their chase. Low-order contributions from Richard Ngarawa (17) and Clive Madande (20) were not enough to save Zimbabwe.
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Pakistan’s bowlers performed in a disciplined fashion, with six bowlers sharing the wickets. Aamer Jamal (5-0-19-2) and Haris Rauf (7.1-0-34-2) impressed with their pace and control, while spinners Abrar Ahmed (9-0-45-2) and off-spinner Saim Ayub (4-0 -29-2) contributed to important advances. The all-rounder Ghulam ended his memorable day with the ball, taking 1 for 7 in two overs.
Player of the Match
Kamran Ghulam’s all-round heroics earned him the Man of the Match award, while Pakistan’s ability to recover from early setbacks and execute their plans highlighted their depth and resilience. Zimbabwe have struggled with consistency, especially in the batting department, despite showing flashes of brilliance.
Kamran Ghulam shines on the international stage with his maiden ODI century 🤩#ZIMvPAK: https://t.co/Eh9UQ3LkBO pic.twitter.com/Pos57qx6ww
— ICC (@ICC) November 28, 2024
Both teams have now turned their attention to the T20I series, with the first match scheduled to be played on Sunday, December 1 at the same venue.
