In a rain-shortened ZIM vs PAK 1st ODI 2024 at Queen’s Sports Club on Sunday, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, establishing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan, chasing a modest goal of 206, was struggling at 60/6. Since the stadium lacked floodlights to continue play beyond dusk, the match had to be canceled when the rain, which had started off mild, got heavier.
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At the time of the intermission, newcomer Aamir Jamal had not yet scored, and captain Muhammad Rizwan was undefeated on 19.
After openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub were removed in five overs, Pakistan’s chase stalled early, putting the team at a vulnerable 17/2. Pakistan crumbled to 40/3 after Kamran Ghulam, who had temporarily teamed with Rizwan, was dismissed by Sean Williams in the 13th over.
The situation was exacerbated by the subsequent dismissals of Muhammad Irfan, Haseebullah Khan, and Salman Ali Agha, with little help from the middle hierarchy.
Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Williams of Zimbabwe each claimed two wickets as part of a disciplined bowling display that left Pakistan with a significant DLS-adjusted deficit in ZIM vs PAK 1st ODI 2024.
The victory gives Zimbabwe more self-assurance going into the remaining matches as Pakistan tries to bounce back from a poor series start.
At Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Pakistan had to win by 206 after Zimbabwe was bowled out for 205 in the opening ODI of the series.
With their openers attempting to provide a strong platform, the hosts got off to a fast start in their innings. But as the strain increased, they lost early wickets.
Joylord Gumbie was run out for 15 by Abdullah Shafique, Zimbabwe’s first wicket at 40. Dion Myers was dismissed for 8 shortly after, dropping Zimbabwe to 58/2.
Tadiwanashe Marumani (29) and captain Craig Ervine (6) both had trouble getting going; Marumani fell after a brief partnership, while Ervine was removed cheaply.
Brian Bennett (20), Sean Williams (23), and Brdandon Mavuta (1) were all unable to make a substantial impact as Zimbabwe’s middle order broke under duress.
Important wickets were lost as the collapse progressed, including Sikandar Raza, who was removed for 39 by Faisal Akram. Richard Ngarava and Raza had already established a solid partnership, with Raza contributing 62 runs for the eighth wicket.
Ngarava (48) blasted five fours and one six in a determined innings, but Zimbabwe was all out for 205 without any help from the other end.
Salman Agha and Faisal Akram both took three wickets as part of Pakistan’s outstanding bowling effort.
Akram took 3/24 in 8 overs, while Agha concluded with figures of 3/29 from 7 overs. Mohammad Hasnain, Aamer Jamal, and Haris Rauf all contributed one wicket apiece, preventing Zimbabwe from forming any meaningful alliances in the closing minutes of their innings.
Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe, was confident prior to the game and stated that the team was focused on defeating Pakistan at home.
The match is perfectly poised, with Pakistan needing 206 runs to win. The visitors will be the favorites to chase down the target because of their bowlers’ outstanding performance.
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ZIM vs PAK 1st ODI 2024 Squad
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Faisal Akram are the Pakistani players in the starting lineup.
Zimbabwe Squad: Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Trevor Gwandu, Tawandanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Brian Bennett, and Joylord Gumbie (wk)
ZIM vs PAK 1st ODI 2024 Score Card:
Zimbabwe Innings (50 Overs Maximum)
Total: 205 in 40.2 overs (Run Rate: 5.08)
Top Performers:
- Sikandar Raza: 39 runs off 56 balls, including 6 fours.
- Richard Ngarava: 48 runs off 52 balls with 5 fours and 1 six.
- Tadiwanashe Marumani: 29 runs off 41 balls.
Bowling Highlights (Pakistan):
- Salman Agha: 9 overs, 42 runs, 3 wickets (economy 4.66).
- Faisal Akram: 8 overs, 24 runs, 3 wickets (economy 3.00).
- Jasprit Bumrah: 7.2 overs, 43 runs, 1 wicket.
Pakistan Innings (Target: 141 from 21 overs)
Total: 60/6 in 21 overs (Run Rate: 2.85)
Top Performers:
- Mohammad Rizwan: 19* runs off 43 balls.
- Kamran Ghulam: 17 runs off 28 balls.
Bowling Highlights (Zimbabwe):
- Blessing Muzarabani: 5 overs, 9 runs, 2 wickets (economy 1.80).
- Sean Williams: 6 overs, 12 runs, 2 wickets (economy 2.00).
- Sikandar Raza: 3 overs, 7 runs, 2 wickets (economy 2.33).
