BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe: Kamran Ghulam scored a brilliant century and powered Pakistan to a total of 303/6 against Zimbabwe in the third ODI at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.
The visitors got off to a steady start, with openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah knitting a solid 58-run partnership. The opening pair had complete control over the game until Saim was dismissed by Faraz Akram in the 13th over.
Kamran, coming out to bat at number three, took the reins of Pakistan’s batting expedition. He was part of two crucial partnerships for the green shirts, including an 89-run stand with captain Mohammad Rizwan (37 off 47 balls).
Kamran Ghulam struck 10 fours and four sixes to score 103 off 99 deliveries. He was followed by opener Abdullah, who made 50 off 68 deliveries.
Later, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha and middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir pushed the team’s total past the 300-run mark.
Agha made 30 off 26 balls, while Tayyab made an unbeaten 29 off 16 deliveries.
Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava led the bowling charge for Zimbabwe with two wickets each, while Blessing Muzarabani and Akram struck out one batter each.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. This is the third and final ODI between the two sides, with the series level at 1-1. Pakistan did not make any changes in the team.
Zimbabwe made two changes, with wicketkeeper Clive Madande coming in for Brandon Mavuta, while Faraz Akram replaces Trevor Gwandu.
Pakistan Playing XI
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (capt&wk), Irfan Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram
Zimbabwe Playing XI
Joylord Gumbie (wk), Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Cliva Madande, Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani.
