BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe: Pakistan clinched the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe 2-1 with a commanding 99-run victory in the third match at Queens Sports Club on Thursday. Setting a formidable target of 304 runs, Pakistan bowled out Zimbabwe for 204 in the 41st over, securing a comprehensive win.
Chasing the target, Zimbabwe suffered early blows after part-timer bowler Saim Ayub claimed two wickets in the third over by removing opener Joylord Gumbie for five and Dion Myers for four runs.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed removed Tadiwanshe Marumani for 24 runs in the ninth over. At this stage, skipper Craig Ervine smashed a fifty to reduce the pressure on his side before Aamer Jamal picked his wicket.
Sean Williams made 24 runs while Brian from the middle order scored 37 to pace up the chase.
However, other batters could not capitalise despite getting a good start as Pakistan bowlers continued to strike at intervals during the series decider.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first.
Pakistan opening pair Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique gave a steady start of 58 to the tourists in 12 overs.
Saim Ayub was dismissed after scoring 31 off 37 runs, bringing Kamran Ghulam to the crease.
Abdullah Shafique then partnered with the newly arrived batter to take Pakistan to 112 while completing his 50 in 68 balls. However, he was dismissed soon after celebrating his fifty.
Kamran Ghulam, meanwhile, continued his inning and scored his maiden ODI ton for Pakistan. His 99-ball 103 was laced with four sixes and 10 fours.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan added 37 off 47 balls, vice-captain Agha Salman scored 30 runs. Tayyab Tahir with his brisk 29 off 16 balls helped Pakistan post 303 on the scoreboard.
For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava claimed 2 wickets apiece, while Blessing Muzarabani and Faraz Akram took one wicket each.
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza was declared player of the match for his 39 runs of 56 balls with the bat and 2/7 bowling figure.
After losing the first ODI, the Pakistan national cricket team bounced back brilliantly in the series. The Green Shirts won the second ODI by 10 wickets and the third ODI by 99 runs.
After the conclusion of the ODI series, Pakistan and Zimbabwe will now face off in the first T20I on December 1, the second game will be played on December 3 and the final game is scheduled for December 5.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram.
Zimbabwe Playing XI
Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Trevor Gwandu, Craig Ervine (c), Tawandanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.
