Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wicketsin the second ODI

Pakistan levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1 with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second match at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, The Green Shirts chased down a modest target of 146 without losing a wicket, thanks to a scintillating performance from opener Saim Ayub, who scored his maiden ODI century in just 53 balls.

Ayub’s remarkable knock of 113 off 62 balls, which included 20 boundaries and three sixes, guided Pakistan to victory with 190 balls to spare. His blistering century is the third-fastest by a Pakistan batter in men’s ODIs, trailing only the legendary Shahid Afridi. Alongside him, Abdullah Shafique supported well, finishing unbeaten on 32 as the pair effortlessly saw Pakistan to their target.

Zimbabwe’s innings had earlier faltered after they were put into bat. The hosts were bundled out for just 145 runs in the 33rd over, with Pakistan’s bowlers leading the charge. Zimbabwe’s top order crumbled early, with Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Joylord Gumbie (5) falling quickly. A brief recovery came through Dion Myers and captain Craig Ervine, who put together a 38-run stand. However, Myers (33 off 30) fell to Salman Ali Agha in the 13th over, followed by quick Ervine and Sikandar Raza, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 97/5.

Sean Williams tried to steady the innings with a measured 31 off 39, but his dismissal in the 26th over left Zimbabwe with little hope. Despite a cameo from Blessing Muzarabani (11), Zimbabwe was bowled out for just 145.

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Abrar Ahmed, who claimed 4 wickets, while Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 3 scalps. Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub each took a wicket, ensuring Zimbabwe could never build significant partnerships.

Pakistan levelled the series, setting up a thrilling decider in the final ODI on Thursday, again at Queens Sports Club.

Squads:

• Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab Tahir.

• Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, and Trevor Gwandu.