Pakistan Win by 99 Runs, Kamran Ghulam’s 103 & Abdullah Shafique’s 50 Help Clinch the Series Against Zimbabwe
Pakistan delivered a sensational performance against Zimbabwe in the 3-match ODI series, winning it 2-1. The deciding match, held at Bulawayo Stadium, saw both teams showcasing remarkable cricket, but Pakistan’s outstanding bowling and batting ultimately earned them the series victory.
If you want to watch the highlights of the 2nd ODI match, you can go to the link below.
Match Summary
Toss:
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first.
Pakistan Batting:
In the 3rd ODI, The Pakistani batsmen delivered a solid performance, posting a total of 303/6 in 50 overs. Kamran Ghulam led the charge with a brilliant 103 runs off 99 balls, while Abdullah Shafique supported him with a steady 50 runs. Their contributions set a challenging target of 304 for Zimbabwe to chase.
Zimbabwe Batting:
Zimbabwe’s chase was never easy. Although Craig Ervine (51) and Brian Bannett (37) showed resilience, the pressure applied by Pakistan’s bowlers, especially the spinners, led to their downfall. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, and Aamer Jamal, all took two wickets each, wrapping up Zimbabwe for 204 in 40.1 overs, securing a comfortable victory by 99 runs.
Key Performances of the Match
- Kamran Ghulam: His match-winning century, 103 off 99 balls, was the backbone of Pakistan’s innings. He hit 10 fours and 4 sixes, building partnerships and setting a strong total.
- Abdullah Shafique: Played a composed innings of 50 off 68 balls, anchoring the middle-order and supporting Ghulam to set up the challenging target.
- Pakistan’s Spinners: Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram maintained tight bowling, restricting Zimbabwe’s scoring. They took key wickets and controlled the game, while Haris Rauf and Aamer Jamal shared the spoils, each taking 2 wickets.
- Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine: As the top scorer for Zimbabwe, Ervine’s 51 off 63 balls showed resistance, but his efforts weren’t enough to guide his team to victory.
Scorecard Summary
Pakistan Innings
- Top Scorer: Kamran Ghulam – 103 (99), Abdullah Shafique – 50 (68)
- Total: 303/6 in 50 overs
Zimbabwe Innings
- Top Scorer: Craig Ervine – 51 (63), Brian Bannett – 37 (27)
- Total: 204 all out in 40.1 overs
Pakistan won the match by 99 runs.
Player of the Match & Player of the Series
- Kamran Ghulam: For his match-winning 103 runs and a wicket, Kamran Ghulam was awarded the Player of the Match. His consistent performance throughout the series displayed his potential as one of Pakistan’s top middle-order batsmen.
- Saim Ayub: Saim Ayub was named Player of the Series for his superb all-round performance. Scoring a total of 155 runs and taking 3 wickets, including an outstanding century in the second ODI, Ayub proved why he is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Pakistan’s cricket.
Scorecard
Pakistan Team
Zimbabwe Team
| Saim Ayub | 31(37) |
| Abdullah Shafique | 50(68) |
| Kamran Ghulam | 103(99) |
| Muhammad Rizwan(c) | 37(47) |
| Salman Agha | 30(26) |
| Tayyab Tahir | 29*(16) |
| Irfan Khan | 3(5) |
| Aamer Jamal | 5*(4) |
| Extras | 15(lb2, nb2, wd11) |
| Total | 303/6 |
| Joylord Gumbie | 5(9) |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | 24(30) |
| Dion Myers | 4(4) |
| Craig Ervine(c) | 51(63) |
| Sean Williams | 24(29) |
| Sikandar Raza | 16(25) |
| Brian Bennett | 37(27) |
| Clive Madande | 20(32) |
| Faraz Akram | 5(6) |
| Richard Ngarava | 17(16) |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 0*(0) |
| Extras | 1(wd1) |
| Total | 204/10 |
Pakistan’s 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe provides a much-needed boost ahead of future, tougher challenges. The performances of Kamran Ghulam, Saim Ayub, and Pakistan’s outstanding spinners will be remembered as the highlights of this series.
This series holds great significance, not only for the win but also for the exposure of young players, who have shown immense promise. With fresh faces stepping up, Pakistan’s future looks bright, and this victory serves as a sign of the team’s growing strength and depth. The young talent has shown that they have the potential to become stars in international cricket in the years to come.
