ZIM vs PAK (2nd ODI) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the comprehensive victory of PAK over ZIM in the 2nd ODI of the series on November 26, 2024, in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe, after being put to bat first, could only muster 145 runs, struggling against Pakistan’s bowlers. Pakistan, in response, chased down the target in dominant fashion, reaching 148/0 in just 18.2 overs, winning by 10 wickets with 190 balls remaining.
Zimbabwe’s batting crumbled under pressure, resulting in a total of just 145 runs. The innings started poorly for Zimbabwe, as Tadiwanashe Marumani was run out for just 4 runs in the 2nd over. Joylord Gumbie didn’t last long, falling for just 5 runs to Abrar Ahmed’s sharp bowling.
Dion Myers briefly added some resistance, scoring 33 runs off 30 balls with 6 boundaries, but he was dismissed lbw by Agha Salman. Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine made 18 runs but fell to a catch behind the stumps, off Agha Salman’s bowling. Sean Williams, the experienced middle-order batter, made 31 runs but was trapped lbw by Saim Ayub.
Sikandar Raza contributed 17 runs but was caught by Abrar Ahmed off Salman’s bowling. The tail-end collapsed quickly with Brian Bennett (14), Brandon Mavuta (3), and Richard Ngarava (2) all falling within a short span. Blessing Muzarabani managed just 11 runs before falling to Faisal Akram’s delivery, as Zimbabwe’s innings wrapped up at 145 in 32.3 overs.
For PAK, Abrar Ahmed and Agha Salman shone with the ball, claiming three wickets apiece. Abrar finished with 4/33, while Agha Salman took 3/26. Pakistan’s bowlers were clinical, maintaining tight lines and lengths, which resulted in a swift collapse of the Zimbabwean batting lineup.
In response to Zimbabwe’s modest total of 145, Pakistan chased down the target with ease, securing a comfortable victory by 10 wickets in just 18.2 overs.
Saim Ayub was the star of the chase, playing a dominant knock of 113 not out from 62 balls. His innings was a blistering display of stroke play, with 17 boundaries and 3 sixes, as he maintained an impressive strike rate of 182.25. Ayub’s aggressive approach took the game away from ZIM early, as he quickly surpassed the required run rate, making the chase look effortless.
Abdullah Shafique anchored the innings with a steady 32 not out off 48 deliveries. Shafique’s knock included 4 boundaries and he displayed good temperament, ensuring that Ayub was able to play freely while guiding the chase.
The Zimbabwean bowlers, including Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu, Sikandar Raza, and Brandon Mavuta, were unable to make an impact. Muzarabani was the most economical bowler, conceding 30 runs in 5 overs, but failed to take any wickets. The rest of the attack also struggled, with Mavuta going for 47 runs in 4 overs.
Pakistan finished the chase in 18.2 overs, reaching 148/0, and won by 10 wickets with 190 balls remaining, as they completed the target with ease. Saim Ayub’s brilliant century and a steady knock from Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a comprehensive victory.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Zimbabwe– 145(32.3/50)
Pakistan– 148/0(18.2/50)
Result – Pakistan won by 10 wickets (with 190 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Saim Ayub
ZIM vs PAK Playing XI
Zimbabwe
Joylord Gumbie(WK), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Craig Ervin(C), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Pakistan
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan(WK)(C), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed
Disclaimer: This Highlight is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.