BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-interrupted first ODI of the three-match series at Queen’s Sports Club on Sunday.
The game was heavily affected by rain, which halted play when Pakistan’s chase was in trouble at 60/6, chasing a modest target of 206.
The rain started as a light shower but quickly escalated, forcing a lengthy delay as ground staff struggled to dry the field before dusk. The venue, lacking floodlights, made the resumption of play impossible.
At the time of the interruption, Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan (19*) and debutant Aamir Jamal (0*) were at the crease, both facing an uphill task in difficult conditions. With the rain impacting the game’s outcome, the match was ultimately decided under the DLS method, which handed Zimbabwe a well-earned victory.
Pakistan’s Fragile Chase Falters Early
Pakistan’s pursuit of 206 got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers — Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub — within the first five overs for just 17 runs. Kamran Ghulam briefly partnered with Rizwan but was dismissed by Sean Williams in the 13th over, leaving Pakistan at 40/3.
The tourists continued to crumble as Salman Ali Agha, Haseebullah Khan, and Muhammad Irfan were dismissed cheaply, leaving the visitors reeling at 60/6. For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Williams shared the spoils, taking two wickets each and leaving Pakistan struggling to stay in the game.
Zimbabwe’s Innings: A Strong Start, Then Collapse
Earlier, Zimbabwe was put into bat and managed to post a total of 205 before being dismissed in the 41st over.
The hosts got off to an impressive start, with openers Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani putting on 40 runs in just six overs. However, Gumbie was run out after a mix-up, scoring 15 off 17 balls.
Marumani and Dion Myers briefly stabilised the innings, but Marumani fell in the 16th over, reducing Zimbabwe to 83/4.
The middle-order collapse saw Zimbabwe slump to 125/7 by the 26th over, as Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Faisal Akram and Salman Ali Agha, applied the pressure.
A crucial 62-run partnership between Sikandar Raza (39) and Richard Ngarava (48) fought back, helping Zimbabwe recover from the depths of their collapse. Raza played a vital role, facing 56 balls and hitting six fours before being dismissed by Akram.
Ngarava remained the top scorer for Zimbabwe, anchoring their lower-order resistance. Despite the setback, his 48 from 52 balls, which included six boundaries and a six, pushed Zimbabwe past the 200-run mark.
Pakistan’s Faisal Akram made a mark on his ODI debut, taking 3/45, including the key wicket of Raza. Agha also contributed with three wickets, while Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Aamir Jamal claimed one wicket each.
Despite the valiant bowling effort, Pakistan’s batting failure ultimately sealed their defeat.
