Zimbabwe stun Pakistan in rain-affected first ODI

Zimbabwe Overpowers Pakistan by 80 Runs in Rain-Affected First ODI

Zimbabwe triumphed over Pakistan by 80 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-marred opening match of the three-game ODI series at Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday.

Chasing a modest target of 206, Pakistan struggled and were reduced to 60/6 when rain halted play. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and debutant Aamir Jamal remained unbeaten at 19 and 0 respectively when the downpour intensified. With no floodlights at the venue, the soaked field became unplayable, sealing the result in Zimbabwe’s favor.

Pakistan’s pursuit began poorly, losing openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub for just 17 runs within five overs. Although Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam tried to stabilize the innings, Ghulam fell to Sean Williams in the 13th over, leaving the visitors at 40/3. Things worsened as Salman Ali Agha, Haseebullah Khan, and Mohammad Irfan made little impact, further sinking the team.

For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Sean Williams each claimed two wickets, dismantling Pakistan’s lineup.

Earlier, Zimbabwe set a target of 205, being bowled out in the 41st over. Openers Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani gave the hosts a brisk start, scoring 40 runs in six overs. However, a mix-up led to Gumbie’s run-out on 15. Marumani contributed 29 before falling in the 16th over, sparking a middle-order collapse that saw Zimbabwe slump to 125/7.

The tide turned with an eighth-wicket stand between Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava, who added 62 runs. Raza scored a gritty 39 off 56 balls, including six boundaries, before debutant Faisal Akram dismissed him in the 38th over. Faisal also removed Blessing Muzarabani shortly after, but Ngarava carried on, hitting a crucial 48 off 52 balls, including six boundaries and a six. His efforts, combined with Trevor Gwandu’s three not out, pushed Zimbabwe past the 200-mark.

Pakistan’s bowling was led by Faisal Akram and Salman Ali Agha, who took three wickets each. Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Aamir Jamal chipped in with one wicket apiece. Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe’s bowlers outshone Pakistan, earning a well-deserved victory.