Pakistan secured a commanding 99-run victory against Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI in Bulawayo on November 28, sealing the series 2-1 after losing the opening game. This was Pakistans’ second consecutive ODI series victory, having earlier won in Australia this month in a similar fashion. On the back of an outstanding century from Kamran Ghulam, along with a strong collective bowling performance, Pakistan bounced back from an early setback in the series.
Pakistan’s Solid Batting Performance, Kamran Ghulam scores his maiden ODI Ton
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan got off to a solid start. The opening partnership between Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique was steady, putting up 58 runs before Ayub’s dismissal. Ayub looked good initially carrying his form from the previous game, timing the ball well, including a couple of boundaries and sixes but was caught out at deep square leg after trying to pull a short ball. Kamran Ghulam then joined hands with Shafique and kept the scoreboard ticking. Ghulam, in particular, appeared a bit rusty in the early overs but soon gained confidence after hitting a six.
Alongside Shafique, Ghulam played some street-smart cricket, rotating the strike and building a good partnership. Shafique, who reached his half-century off 66 balls, was eventually dismissed by Sikandar Raza after miscuing a sweep shot. At 132/2 in the 30th over, Pakistan laid the foundation for a solid total. Rizwan and Ghulam added 89 runs for the third wicket, with Ghulam taking charge.
A Strong finish ensures Pakistan reach a winning total
By the time Rizwan was dismissed for 33, Pakistan was looking set for a big total. Ghulam got into his rhythm, and was aggressive, dispatching boundaries off both spinners and pacers. His fifty came off 59 balls, as he kept the momentum going. And reached his maiden century off just 103 balls. He was dismissed for 103 by Richard Ngarava, but by then, Pakistan had put themselves in a strong position.
The final 10 overs were crucial, and Pakistan made the most of them. With Rizwan’s departure, it was left to the lower order to finish strongly, and they did just that. Tayyab Tahir (29* off 16 balls) and Salman Agha (30 off 26 balls) added valuable runs in the final overs. The last five overs produced a massive 69 runs, with 23 of those coming in the 46th over bowled by Faraz Akram, which included wides, no-balls, and a couple of big hits. Pakistan eventually posted 303/6 in 50 overs, a total that Zimbabwe would find difficult to chase.
Zimbabwe’s Struggles in the Chase
Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a disastrous start, as Pakistan’s bowlers struck early. Saim Ayub, the bowler of the third over, took two wickets in quick succession. Joylord Gumbie, trying to pull a short ball, couldn’t keep it down and was caught in the deep. Dion Myers, attempting to sweep, also found the fielder, leaving Zimbabwe at 8/2. The early wickets put Zimbabwe on the back foot, and Pakistan never let them recover.
Tadiwanashe Marumani and Craig Ervine tried to rebuild with a 39-run stand, but Marumani was dismissed LBW to Abrar Ahmed. Ervine, who was the mainstay for Zimbabwe, reached a half-century, but his innings was also cut short as he was dismissed by Aamer Jamal for 51. Ervine’s departure left the Zimbabwe side reeling at 130/6 by the 28th over.
Pakistan’s Clinical Bowling
Sikandar Raza’s dismissal for just 6 by Aamer Jamal further dampened Zimbabwe’s hopes. With wickets falling regularly, it seemed that Zimbabwe would bundle out quickly. Bennett, however, provided a brief flurry of excitement, scoring 37 runs off just 27 balls. His aggressive batting provided some entertainment for the hosts’ fans but was not enough to keep them in the chase. He was eventually dismissed by Abrar Ahmed, leaving Zimbabwe at 164/7.
The lower order didn’t offer much resistance, and Pakistan’s bowlers cleaned up the tail. Clive Madande (17*) and Richard Ngarava (10*) tried to hang on for a while, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Aamer Jamal and Faisal Akram took the final two wickets in quick succession, with Zimbabwe being bowled out for 204 in 40.1 overs.
Pakistan will now take confidence from the consecutive series victories with most of the regulars missing from the squad in this series as they prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy at home.