Bulawayo (Web Desk): Pakistan delivered a commanding performance cruising to a 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second game of the ongoing three-match one-day international (ODI) series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe, batting first, were restricted to a low total of 145 runs, bowled out in just 32.5 overs.
Pakistan's response was swift and clinical. The opening partnership between Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique was flawless, with Saim leading the charge. His blistering knock of 113 runs off 62 balls, which included 20 boundaries and three sixes, took Pakistan to the target in just 28.2 overs.
This remarkable century, scored at a blistering pace, was the third-fastest by a Pakistani batter in ODIs, trailing only behind Shahid Afridi.
On the bowling side, Pakistan dominated with Abrar Ahmed taking four wickets, while Salman Ali Agha claimed three.
The hosts struggled throughout their innings, losing early wickets with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Joylord Gumbie (5) failing to make an impact.
Zimbabwe briefly recovered with a 38-run stand between Dion Myers (33) and captain Craig Ervine (14), but the middle order collapsed under pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers. Sean Williams top-scored for Zimbabwe with a patient 31, but once he was dismissed, the tail fell quickly.
Despite a late cameo from Blessing Muzarabani (11), Zimbabwe were bundled out for 145 in the 33rd over.
Pakistan's 10-wicket victory tied the series at 1-1, with the deciding match set for Thursday at the same venue.
Teams
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab Tahir
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa and Trevor Gwandu.
