Pakistan closed the ODI series against Zimbabwe in style at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo thanks to Kamran Ghulam’s maiden One Day International (ODI) century which helped Pakistan chase a target of 204 undefeated with a margin of 99 runs. It now finish the ODIs in the three-match series with a conclusive win of 2-1.
Batting first, the total made by Pakistan was quite respectable as they scored 303. However, with Ghulam’s performance, who made 103 runs, impressed fans and for him, it was the first hundred in ODIs.
Abdullah Shafique also did not disappoint his fans as he scored 50 runs along with Khushdil Shah who also gave good support to the entire team putting them in a good situation. The last five overs of Pakistan’s innings saw garner 69 runs courtesy some wayward bowling from the Zimbabwe bowlers which saw the team cross the 300 mark.
Zimbabwe required a higher run rate than they produced, despite a valiant 51 run knock from Craig Ervine, the captain. The Zimbabwean team was bowled out in 40.1 overs for 204 runs, which was still a long way to chase. Pakistan on the other hand were relentless with the ball ensuring it was a comprehensive victory for them.
The series began in shocking fashion as Zimbabwe won the first game by 80 runs using the DLS method. Nonetheless, Pakistan got their own back in stunning fashion in the second ODI where they won by 10 wickets to draw the series.
The attention now turns to the three-match Twenty20 International series which begins on Sunday at the same venue.