Pakistan vs Zimbabwe: A Commanding Victory in the 3rd ODI (28 November 2024)
The third and final ODI of the Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe on 28 November 2024 saw Pakistan deliver a clinical performance, defeating Zimbabwe by 99 runs at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This victory secured a 2-1 series win for Pakistan, showcasing their resilience after an initial setback in the first match of the series.
Match Overview
Pakistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted an impressive 303/6 in their allotted 50 overs. The total was built on the back of a magnificent century by Kamran Ghulam, who scored 109 runs, marking his first ODI century. In reply, Zimbabwe faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 204 runs in 40.1 overs, falling significantly short of the target.
Pakistan’s Innings
The match began with a steady, if cautious, start by Pakistan’s top order. However, Kamran Ghulam emerged as the star of the innings. Anchoring the middle order, Ghulam combined well with the likes of skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub to ensure Pakistan capitalized on their foundation.
Ghulam’s 109 was a mix of patience and aggression, as he maneuvered the field expertly and struck boundaries at crucial junctures. Rizwan chipped in with a quickfire 48, and Ayub continued his form in the series with another notable contribution. The team maintained a brisk scoring rate towards the end of the innings, adding valuable runs in the death overs to breach the 300-run mark.
Zimbabwe’s Response
Chasing a daunting target of 304, Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a shaky start. Early wickets put them on the back foot, and although the middle order showed some resistance, no batter managed to convert their starts into a big score.
The top-order collapse was expertly orchestrated by Pakistan’s bowlers, who exploited the conditions and maintained disciplined lines. Spinner Usama Mir and pacer Hasan Ali were particularly effective, combining to take crucial wickets during the middle overs. Zimbabwe’s innings concluded at 204 in just over 40 overs, giving Pakistan a convincing win.
Key Players and Performances
- Kamran Ghulam (Pakistan): His 109 runs earned him the Player of the Match award, a fitting recognition of his match-defining knock.
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): With consistent performances throughout the series, Ayub was named Player of the Series. His contributions were instrumental in Pakistan’s recovery after losing the first match.
- Hasan Ali (Pakistan): His pace and swing troubled Zimbabwe’s batters, claiming important scalps during the chase.
Post-Match Reflections
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, expressed pride in his team’s ability to bounce back after losing the opening game of the series. He emphasized the importance of adaptability in foreign conditions and credited the team’s young players for stepping up when needed. “We decided as a team to minimize our mistakes and perform as professionals. It’s always satisfying to win a series away from home,” he remarked during the post-match presentation .
Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine, acknowledged the shortcomings of his team, particularly in their top-order batting. He highlighted the need for building partnerships and ensuring consistency in their performances. However, he remained optimistic about the potential of Zimbabwe’s younger players to develop and contribute in future games .
Series Recap
The series began on a surprising note, with Zimbabwe securing a commanding victory in the first ODI. Pakistan, however, made a strong comeback in the second match, winning by 10 wickets to level the series. The final ODI was a decider, and Pakistan rose to the occasion with an all-around performance.
This series provided a glimpse into Pakistan’s depth, with many younger players stepping up in the absence of several senior stars. The team’s ability to adapt and execute their strategies effectively was key to their success.
What’s Next?
With this series win, Pakistan will now shift focus to the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, which begins on 1 December 2024. The team will aim to carry forward their momentum, while Zimbabwe will look to regroup and come back stronger in the shortest format of the game .
Conclusion
The third ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and tactical superiority. Kamran Ghulam’s heroics with the bat and a disciplined bowling effort helped Pakistan secure a much-deserved series victory. On the other hand, Zimbabwe showed promise but will need to address their inconsistencies to compete more effectively in future encounters.