Pakistan fight back to clinch the ODI series 2-1 against Zimbabwe

Pakistan secured a 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the series-deciding match, winning the series 2-1 after losing the first ODI. The tourists bounced back strongly, winning the last two matches to clinch the series.

On Thursday in Bulawayo, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique gave a solid start. Saim, who had scored a century in the previous match, was dismissed for 31 runs. Shafique went on to score a half-century and formed a 92-ball 89-run partnership with Kamran Ghulam, who played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings.

Although Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 37 runs, Kamran Ghulam completed a well-made century, scoring 103 runs off 99 balls, which included 10 fours and 4 sixes. Salman Agha contributed 30 runs, and at the end of the innings, Tayyab Tahir added a quick-fire 29 runs from just 16 balls. Pakistan finished their innings with 303 runs for 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Chasing a daunting target of 304 to stay alive in the series, Zimbabwe stumbled early. They lost 3 wickets for just 49 runs. Captain Craig Ervine tried to steady the ship, but after scoring 50 runs, he was dismissed. The Zimbabwean batting line-up failed to recover, and they lost wickets at regular intervals. Ultimately, Zimbabwe was all out for 204 runs in just 40.1 overs, falling short by 99 runs.

For Pakistan, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, and Aamer Jamal each took 2 wickets. Saim Ayub was named the Player of the Series for his outstanding performances throughout the series.