ZIM vs PAK 2nd ODI 2024 -Debutant spinner Abrar Ahmed and opener Saim Ayub etched their names in the record books as Pakistan clinched a dominant 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in ZIM vs PAK 2nd ODI 2024 at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday. The win leveled the three-match series 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting decider.
Zimbabwe’s Struggles in ZIM vs PAK 2nd ODI 2024
After their convincing 80-run win in the first ODI, Zimbabwe opted to bat first when skipper Craig Ervine won the toss. However, the decision proved costly as they were bundled out for a mere 145 in just 32.3 overs.
Abrar Ahmed, making his ODI debut, spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling effort, claiming an impressive four-wicket haul. This achievement matched the record set by legendary spinner Abdul Qadir in 1983. Abrar’s sharp spin was complemented by Salman Ali Agha, who dismantled the middle order with three key wickets. Additionally, part-time bowler Saim Ayub and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram contributed with one wicket each, while opener Tadiwanashe Marumani fell to a run-out.
In a stunning display of spin dominance, Pakistan’s bowlers claimed nine of Zimbabwe’s wickets using spin. Remarkably, this marked only the fourth instance of Pakistan achieving nine or more spin dismissals in a men’s ODI. Interestingly, the other three instances also came against Zimbabwe, with two occurring in 2015.
Saim Ayub’s Record-Breaking Century in ZIM vs PAK 2nd ODI 2024
Chasing 146, Pakistan’s Saim Ayub produced a batting masterclass. The left-handed opener unleashed an array of strokes to decimate Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. His dazzling knock included 20 boundaries and three towering sixes as he raced to a maiden ODI century in just 53 balls.
Saim’s blistering innings equaled the record for the third-fastest ODI century by a Pakistani batter, a feat previously achieved by the legendary Shahid Afridi. Afridi still holds the top two spots for Pakistan’s fastest centuries in ODIs.
Pakistan’s total of 148/0 in just 18.2 overs also set a unique record as the lowest target successfully chased in a men’s ODI featuring a century.
1️⃣1️⃣3️⃣ not out
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 26, 2024
6️⃣2️⃣ balls
1️⃣7️⃣ fours
3️⃣ sixes@SaimAyub7's whirlwind maiden ODI 💯 earns him the player of the match award 🏆#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/sI3s0f1XpJ
Leveling the Series
The emphatic victory leveled the series 1-1, with the decider scheduled for November 28 at Queens Sports Club. With both teams looking evenly matched, fans can expect another thrilling encounter in the series finale.
Scorecard Summary: ZIM vs PAK 2nd ODI 2024
Zimbabwe Innings: 145/10 (32.3 overs)
- Top Performers:
- Sean Williams: 31(39), SR 79.49
- Dion Myers: 33(30), SR 110.00
- Bowling (Pakistan):
- Abrar Ahmed: 4/33 (8 overs)
- Agha Salman: 3/26 (7 overs)
Pakistan Innings: 148/0 (18.2 overs)
- Batting:
- Saim Ayub: 113*(62), 20 fours, 3 sixes, SR 182.26
- Abdullah Shafique: 32*(48), SR 66.67
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