Bulawayo (Web Desk): Pakistan delivered a commanding performance on Thursday to beat Zimbabwe by 99 runs in the third one-day international (ODI), securing the series 2-1 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe, chasing a target of 304, was bowled out for just 204 runs in the 41st over
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan’s innings was built around a superb knock from Kamran Ghulam, who scored a brilliant 103 runs off 107 balls. Ghulam’s innings was the backbone of the total, and he formed a key 89-run partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan (37) for the third wicket.
The opening duo of Saim Ayub (31) and Abdullah Shafique (50) laid a solid foundation with a 58-run stand, while Agha Salman (30) and Tayyab Tahir (29*) kept the scoreboard ticking in the latter stages, helping their side reach 303/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Zimbabwe’s chase faltered early as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Captain Craig Ervine was the top scorer for Zimbabwe, making 51, but the hosts struggled to build partnerships.
Contributions from Brian Bennett (37) and Sean Williams (24) were not enough to put a dent in the required total.
The lower order could not cope with Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack, with Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub each picking up two wickets, while Kamran Ghulam and Faisal Akram took one wicket each.
Zimbabwe's bowlers fought hard, with Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava each taking two wickets, but the chase proved too much for them as Pakistan's all-round effort sealed the win.
Pakistan were unchanged in the third ODI, while Zimbabwe made two changes.
With this victory, Pakistan clinched the series 2-1, overcoming a spirited Zimbabwean challenge.
Teams
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Trevor Gwandu, Craig Ervine (c), Tawandanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.