Bulawayo, November 28, 2024 – Pakistan set Zimbabwe a challenging target of 304 runs in the third and final One Day International (ODI) of the series at the Queens Sports Club, with Kamran Ghulam shining brightly with his maiden ODI century.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan displayed a solid performance, led by Kamran Ghulam’s magnificent knock of 103 runs off 99 balls. Ghulam’s innings included 10 fours and four sixes, showcasing a blend of aggression and finesse. He was eventually dismissed in the 45th over by Richard Ngarava, caught by Clive Madande at deep cover, leaving Pakistan at 232/4.
The innings began with a steady opening partnership. Saim Ayub contributed 31 off 37 balls before his dismissal in the 13th over, caught at deep square leg by Madande off Faraz Akram’s bowling. His wicket left Pakistan at 58/1. Abdullah Shafique steadied the ship with a composed half-century (50 off 68 balls) before being trapped LBW by Sikandar Raza in the 24th over, reducing Pakistan to 112/2.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan (37 off 47 balls) struggled to accelerate, eventually edging a delivery from Sikandar Raza to Dion Myers in the 40th over. Rizwan’s dismissal at 201/3 momentarily stalled Pakistan’s momentum.
Salman Agha provided a late boost with a brisk 30 off 26 balls but fell to a leading edge off Ngarava in the 48th over. In the death overs, Tayyab Tahir (29* off 16 balls) played an explosive cameo, helping Pakistan cross the 300-mark. Aamer Jamal (5*) remained unbeaten, ensuring Pakistan finished at 303/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 47 runs in his 10 overs. Richard Ngarava also claimed two crucial wickets for 55 runs, while Blessing Muzarabani took one for 66 runs.
Fall of Wickets:
1. Saim Ayub (58/1)
2. Abdullah Shafique (112/2)
3. Mohammad Rizwan (201/3)
4. Kamran Ghulam (232/4)
5. Salman Agha (273/5)
6. Irfan Khan (283/6)
Zimbabwe made two changes to their lineup for the decisive clash, while Pakistan fielded an unchanged side. With 304 runs to chase, Zimbabwe will need a spirited batting performance to clinch the series.
