Kamran, bowlers propel Pakistan to series-clinching victory over Zimbabwe

Kamran Ghulam’s Century Guides Pakistan to 99-Run Victory in ODI Decider

Kamran Ghulam’s brilliant maiden century, combined with a disciplined bowling effort, helped Pakistan seal a 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the deciding ODI at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday.

Set a challenging target of 304, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 204 despite a valiant 51 from captain Craig Ervine. Zimbabwe’s chase faltered early as they were reduced to 10/2 in just three overs. Ervine and Tadiwanashe Marumani then steadied the innings with a 39-run partnership, but Marumani’s dismissal in the ninth over further complicated their chase.

Ervine later added 41 runs for the fourth wicket with Sean Williams before falling to Aamir Jamal in the 26th over. His 63-ball knock included five fours and a six. Brian Bennett briefly resisted with a 27-ball 37, but Zimbabwe’s middle order couldn’t recover from the early setbacks.

Pakistan’s bowlers were in top form, with Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Aamir Jamal each taking two wickets. Kamran Ghulam and Faisal Akram picked up a wicket each to wrap up the innings.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 303/6 after opting to bat first, with Kamran Ghulam anchoring the innings. He scored a superb 103 off 99 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. Kamran was well supported by Abdullah Shafique (50 off 68) and Mohammad Rizwan (37 off 47), as they put together key partnerships.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha (30 off 26) and Tayyab Tahir (29* off 16) ensured Pakistan crossed the 300-run mark. Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava were the top bowlers for Zimbabwe, each taking two wickets.

With this victory, Pakistan clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1, following a 1-1 draw in the first two games.