BULAWAYO: Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the second ODI on Tuesday, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
Chasing a modest target of 146 runs, Pakistan’s opener Saim Ayub shone with a dazzling maiden century, smashing an unbeaten 117 runs off just 82 balls.
His partner Abdullah Shafique provided solid support, contributing 32 runs as the duo completed the chase in just 18.5 overs.
Earlier, Zimbabwe struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers and were bowled out for 145 runs in 32.3 overs. The host side failed to build significant partnerships, with only Devon Myers (33) and Sean Williams (31) offering any resistance.
Abrar Ahmed made a sensational debut for Pakistan, claiming four wickets to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Salman Ali Agha chipped in with three wickets, while Saim Ayub and Faisal Akram took one wicket each.
Zimbabwe’s innings began poorly, losing both openers, Joylord Gumbie (5) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (4), cheaply.
Although Myers and captain Craig Ervine (18) steadied the innings briefly with a 38-run partnership, the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure. Key players Sikandar Raza (17) and Brian Bennett (14) also failed to convert their starts.
Pakistan made two changes for this crucial match, handing debuts to Tayyab Tahir and Abrar Ahmed. The inclusion of Abrar proved vital as he rattled Zimbabwe’s middle order with his skillful spin.
The visitors had entered the game under pressure after losing the first ODI by 80 runs under the DLS method, marking Zimbabwe’s first win against Pakistan in an ODI since 2015. However, this emphatic victory keeps Pakistan in the hunt to secure the series in the decider.
Zimbabwe Playing XI
Joylord Gumbie, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.
Pakistan Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.
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