Kamran Ghulam’s Maiden ODI Ton Helps Pakistan Seal Series Win Over Zimbabwe
Pakistan secured a convincing 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI in Bulawayo, clinching the series 2-1. Kamran Ghulam’s maiden ODI hundred laid the foundation, while the bowlers delivered a clinical performance to seal Pakistan’s second consecutive come-from-behind ODI series win this month, following their success against Australia.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Steady Build to a Flourish
Winning the toss and batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable 303 for 6, thanks to a steady opening partnership and a late flourish.
Key Highlights:
- Kamran Ghulam: Registered his first ODI century, scoring a vital 103, showcasing both composure and aggression.
- Abdullah Shafique: Continued his consistent form with his fifth ODI half-century (50).
- Final Overs Surge: Pakistan plundered 69 runs in the last five overs, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggling to maintain discipline.
- 46th Over Chaos: Richard Ngarava and Faisal Akram conceded 23 runs in an over featuring six wides, a no-ball, and multiple boundaries.
Ghulam, after a cautious start, found his rhythm, particularly punishing Brian Bennett with a 27-run onslaught over two overs. His milestone century came with a pull to midwicket off Sikandar Raza.
Zimbabwe’s Response: Resistance in Patches
Chasing 304, Zimbabwe folded for 204 in 40.1 overs, unable to sustain partnerships despite a few spirited individual performances.
Top Performers for Zimbabwe:
- Craig Ervine: Top-scored with 51, but his effort lacked the support needed to challenge Pakistan’s total.
- Brian Bennett: Played an entertaining 37-run cameo off 27 balls, taking on the spinners with some success.
Pakistan’s Bowling Excellence:
- Saim Ayub: Made early breakthroughs in the third over, dismissing Joylord Gumbie and Dion Myers.
- Haris Rauf and Aamer Jamal: Kept the pressure on, with Rauf picking up two wickets and Jamal delivering crucial strikes, including the dismissals of Ervine and Raza.
- Abrar Ahmed: Claimed the final wicket, wrapping up the innings with figures of 2 for 28.
Zimbabwe’s hopes dwindled as wickets fell regularly, with no partnership lasting long enough to mount a significant challenge.
Series Decider and Significance
This victory marks Pakistan’s second consecutive ODI series win after trailing 0-1, showcasing their ability to bounce back under pressure. Kamran Ghulam’s century and Pakistan’s death-overs surge in this game were pivotal in setting up the win.
The bowlers ensured there were no slip-ups, with Zimbabwe never truly in the chase despite some promising starts.
Match Summary
Pakistan: 303 for 6 in 50 overs (Kamran Ghulam 103, Abdullah Shafique 50; Sikandar Raza 2-47)
Zimbabwe: 204 in 40.1 overs (Craig Ervine 51, Brian Bennett 37; Saim Ayub 2-29)
Result: Pakistan won by 99 runs to take the series 2-1.
