ZIM vs PAK (1st ODI) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between ZIM and PAK in the 1st ODI of Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe, held in Bulawayo on November 24, 2024. This match showcased Zimbabwe’s resilience as they delivered a commanding performance to secure an 80-run victory via the DLS method. Despite interruptions due to rain, the game provided exciting moments, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers dominating Pakistan’s chase after setting a challenging target.
In the first ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe emerged victorious by 80 runs via the DLS method. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 205 runs, with key contributions from their middle order. Rain delays adjusted Pakistan’s chase to 141 runs within 21 overs.
PAK struggled against Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling, collapsing to 60/6 in their chase. The hosts capitalized on the conditions and maintained pressure to secure a convincing win, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
ZIM set a challenging total of 205 runs in their 50 overs against Pakistan in the 1st ODI of the series. Despite a promising start from Joylord Gumbie (15 off 17 balls), he was run out, and the team quickly lost momentum.
The top order struggled with regular wickets falling, including Craig Ervine (6), Tadiwanashe Marumani (29), and Dion Myers (8), as Pakistan’s bowlers applied consistent pressure. Sean Williams (23) and Sikandar Raza (39) tried to steady the innings, but they too were dismissed cheaply.
Brian Bennett (20) and Richard Ngarava (48) provided some late resistance, but Zimbabwe’s lower order couldn’t capitalize fully. The tail failed to add much, and Zimbabwe were bowled out for 205 in 40.2 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers were led by Faisal Akram (3/24), who took key wickets in the middle order, supported by Agha Salman (3/42) and Mohammad Hasnain (1/43).
In summary, Zimbabwe’s batting faltered after a strong start, with Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Akram, dominating the middle overs to restrict them to a modest total.
In response to Zimbabwe’s total of 205, Pakistan’s batting collapsed under pressure, finishing at 60/6 in just 21 overs. Openers Saim Ayub (11) and Abdullah Shafique (1) were dismissed early, falling to Blessing Muzarabani (2/9), with Pakistan at 11/2 by the 4.4 over mark. Kamran Ghulam (17) and Mohammad Rizwan (19 not out) briefly showed resistance, but wickets continued to tumble.
Salman Agha (4) and Haseebullah Khan (0) were dismissed cheaply, both falling to Sikandar Raza (2/7). Irfan Khan (7) was the next to go, dismissed by Sean Williams (2/12), leaving Pakistan struggling at 49/6.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly Muzarabani, Williams, and Raza, were clinical in their execution, strangling Pakistan’s chase and preventing any partnerships from forming. With Pakistan’s lower order unable to make significant contributions, they were restricted to 60/6, handing Zimbabwe a dominant 80-run win under the DLS method.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Zimbabwe – 205 (40.2)
Pakistan- 60/6 (21/21)
Result – Zimbabwe won by 80 runs (DLS method)
Player of the Match – Sikandar Raza
ZIM vs PAK Playing XI
Zimbabwe
Joylord Gumbie, Tadiwanashe Marumani(WK), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine(C), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Pakistan
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan(C)(WK), Salman Agha, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Faisal Akram
Disclaimer: This Highlight is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.