In a thrilling decider at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Pakistan emerged victorious in the third and final ODI of their 2024 series against Zimbabwe. Their emphatic 99 run win not only secured the series 2-1 but also showcased stellar performances with both bat and ball.

Pakistan's Batting Brilliance

Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first and capitalized on a solid top-order foundation. Kamran Ghulam delivered a magnificent 103 off 99 balls, anchoring the innings with finesse. Supported by Abdullah Shafique's composed 50 and captain Mohammad Rizwan's steady 37, Pakistan reached a formidable 303/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Notable cameos from Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir bolstered the total in the death overs​.

Zimbabwe's bowlers, despite initial discipline, struggled to contain the middle-order onslaught. Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani took key wickets but conceded heavily in their later spells​.

Zimbabwe's Faltering Chase

Facing a daunting target, Zimbabwe's batting lineup faltered under relentless pressure from Pakistan's bowlers. Sean Williams (47) and Sikandar Raza (42) offered resistance, but their dismissals exposed Zimbabwe's fragile lower order. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf led Pakistan's bowling with three wickets each, dismantling Zimbabwe for just 204 in 45.3 overs​.

Key Performers and Takeaways

  1. Kamran Ghulam: His century underscored his rising stature in international cricket. With well-timed strokes and partnerships, he set the tone for Pakistan's innings.
  2. Abrar Ahmed: The leg-spinner's figures of 3/34 highlighted his knack for breakthroughs in critical moments.
  3. Zimbabwe's Middle Order: Although Williams and Raza displayed skill, Zimbabwe lacked depth to mount a significant challenge.

Series Recap

The series was a rollercoaster, with Zimbabwe's spirited win in the first ODI creating early momentum. Pakistan leveled the series with a commanding second-match performance, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. This victory reaffirmed Pakistan's adaptability and resilience, making them strong contenders in future tournaments​.