Kamran Ghulam’s maiden ODI century, combined with a stellar bowling performance, led Pakistan to a commanding 99-run victory against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The win secured a 2-1 series triumph, marking Pakistan’s second consecutive come-from-behind ODI series victory following their success in Australia earlier this month.
Pakistan Sets a Challenging Target
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan capitalized on a steady start from their openers. Abdullah Shafique recorded his fifth ODI half-century, setting the foundation for a competitive total. Despite a disciplined start, Zimbabwe’s bowlers faltered during the death overs, allowing Pakistan to amass 69 runs in the final five overs and finish at 303 for 6.
Ghulam’s innings was the highlight, as he overcame early jitters to score a magnificent 103 runs. His knock was well-supported by Shafique, who contributed 50 runs before falling to Sikandar Raza. Rizwan and Ghulam then added the largest partnership of the innings, though Rizwan’s cautious approach initially slowed the scoring rate. Ghulam accelerated by taking on bowlers like Brian Bennett, forcing Zimbabwe onto the back foot.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, struggled to contain the onslaught in the later stages. A chaotic 46th over from Faisal Akram, featuring six wides, a no-ball, and multiple boundaries, helped Pakistan cross the 300-run mark. The final overs showcased Pakistan’s ability to shift gears, a skill vital for upcoming international contests.
Early Strikes Dent Zimbabwe’s Chase
Pakistan’s bowlers struck early, with Saim Ayub claiming two wickets in the third over. Joylord Gumbie and Dion Myers succumbed to pressure as Zimbabwe aimed to maintain a brisk scoring rate. Tadiwanashe Marumani briefly counterattacked but was dismissed leg-before by Abrar Ahmed in a contentious decision. Zimbabwe’s inability to build stable partnerships was evident as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Craig Ervine and Sean Williams formed Zimbabwe’s most promising partnership, taking the attack to Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed. Ervine’s half-century provided some resistance, but Pakistan’s bowlers remained relentless. Haris Rauf dismissed Williams with extra pace, triggering a middle-order collapse that Zimbabwe could not recover from.
Middle-Order Collapse and Resilience
The Zimbabwean middle-order struggled to find rhythm, as Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram, maintained consistent pressure. Ervine’s dismissal marked a turning point, with Aamer Jamal playing a crucial role by removing him and Sikandar Raza in quick succession. Despite occasional boundaries, Zimbabwe’s scoring rate stagnated under disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
An entertaining cameo by Bennett brought some excitement for the home crowd. His aggressive 37 off 27 balls, featuring creative strokes against the spinners, briefly raised hopes. However, his dismissal to Abrar Ahmed effectively sealed the game for Pakistan. The final pair of Clive Madande and Richard Ngarava added a few more runs to ensure Zimbabwe crossed the 200-mark, but it was insufficient against Pakistan’s robust total.
Key Performances that Sealed the Win
- Kamran Ghulam: His maiden ODI century was a masterclass in adaptability and aggression, setting up Pakistan’s formidable total.
- Abdullah Shafique: A steady half-century laid a strong platform for the middle order.
- Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed: Early breakthroughs and consistent pressure ensured Zimbabwe never got ahead in the chase.
- Haris Rauf and Faisal Akram: Crucial middle-order wickets and disciplined spells closed out the game effectively.
- Aamer Jamal: His dual strikes in the middle overs extinguished Zimbabwe’s faint hopes of a comeback.
Significance of the Series Win
This series victory is a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. Kamran Ghulam’s breakthrough performance underscores the team’s depth, while the bowling unit’s dominance highlights their preparedness for high-stakes encounters. Winning consecutive come-from-behind series, including the earlier triumph in Australia, speaks volumes about the team’s growing confidence and strategic planning.
The win also serves as a morale booster ahead of future international fixtures, giving younger players valuable experience on the global stage. For Zimbabwe, the series showcased moments of brilliance but also exposed areas needing improvement, particularly in their death bowling and batting under pressure.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory for Pakistan
Pakistan’s dominant performance highlighted their growing confidence and depth in both batting and bowling. Kamran Ghulam’s century and the team’s collective bowling effort underlined their ability to excel under pressure. With this series win, Pakistan continues to build momentum ahead of future international fixtures, while Zimbabwe’s resilience showcased glimpses of promise despite the defeat. The lessons learned from this series will be crucial as both teams prepare for their next challenges.
