In a surprising turn of events, Zimbabwe delivered a stunning 80-run victory against Pakistan in the first ODI of their series, played on Sunday at the Queens Sports Club. The win, achieved via the DLS method due to rain interruptions, marked a major triumph for the hosts and a rare setback for Pakistan.
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The match saw Zimbabwe, after being put in to bat by Pakistan, compile a modest yet defendable total of 205 runs. A steady start from openers Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani resulted in a 40-run partnership, before Pakistan’s Agha Salman turned the tide with a devastating spell. Salman’s three quick wickets, combined with Abdullah Shafique’s run-out of Gumbie, left Zimbabwe struggling at 83/4.
However, the middle and lower order stepped up for Zimbabwe. Contributions from Sean Williams (23), Sikandar Raza (39), and Brian Bennett (20) kept the scoreboard ticking, while Richard Ngarava’s late cameo of 48 crucial runs propelled the hosts to a respectable total.
Pakistan’s response faltered from the start. Openers Saim Ayub (11) and Abdullah Shafique (1) fell cheaply to Blessing Muzaraban, leaving the team reeling early. Zimbabwe’s experienced spinner Sikandar Raza compounded Pakistan’s troubles, dismissing both Agha Salman and debutant Haseebullah Khan in quick succession.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan offered some resistance, but wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Kamran Ghulam (17) edged a delivery to Marumani, while Irfan Khan was bowled by Sean Williams, reducing Pakistan to a dismal 58/6. With the visitors languishing at 60/6, rain intervened, bringing the game to an early conclusion.
Under the DLS method, Zimbabwe were declared winners by 80 runs, delivering a resounding blow to a Pakistan side that recently celebrated a historic series win in Australia. The loss marked a stark contrast to their earlier momentum, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cricket on Zimbabwean soil.
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