Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 99 runs in the third and final ODI at Queens Sports Club, claiming a 2-1 series victory. Kamran Ghulam’s century and an all-round performance by Saim Ayub were the highlights of the match.
Pakistan set a challenging target of 303/6 after choosing to bat first. Kamran Ghulam led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 99 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six. His controlled yet aggressive innings anchored Pakistan’s batting.
Other key contributions came from:
- Abdullah Shafique: A steady 50 off 68 balls
- Mohammad Rizwan: A composed 37 off 47 balls
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled against Pakistan’s batting lineup. Sikandar Raza was the standout performer with 2/47 in 10 overs, while Richard Ngarava supported with 2/55 in 10 overs. Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe could not contain the runs.
Zimbabwe Fails to Chase
In reply, Zimbabwe managed only 204 in 40.1 overs, falling short by 99 runs. Captain Craig Ervine fought hard with a determined 51 off 63 balls, and Brian Bennett contributed a quick 37 off 27 balls. However, their efforts were not enough to save the match.
Zimbabwe’s batting lineup faltered due to Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Deliver
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated with precision and teamwork.
Key performances included:
- Aamir Jamal: 2/19 in 5 overs
- Saim Ayub: 2/29 in 4 overs
- Haris Rauf: 2/34 in 7.1 overs
The bowlers consistently broke Zimbabwe’s partnerships, leaving no room for recovery.
Kamran Ghulam Named Player of the Match
Kamran Ghulam’s exceptional all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. His century laid the foundation for Pakistan’s total, and his bowling contribution of 2 overs for 7 runs further solidified his impact.
Pakistan Steady at 169/2 in ODI Series Decider
Saim Ayub Wins Player of the Series
Saim Ayub’s consistent performances throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series title. His contributions with both bat and ball showcased his growing importance in Pakistan’s lineup.
Series Recap
Pakistan’s 2-1 series win highlights their resilience and depth. After losing the second ODI, they made a strong comeback in the decider. This victory underlines Pakistan’s ability to deliver in critical matches and sets the tone for future contests.
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