Luckshots Sports News November 25, 2024
Zimbabwe Secure Victory Over Pakistan in Rain-Affected Match
In a surprising turn of events, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs via the DLS method in the first one-day international match, held in Bulawayo on Sunday. The match, which was interrupted by rain, saw Zimbabwe take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, thanks to all-rounder Sikandar Raza’s vital contribution with both bat and ball.
Zimbabwe, initially struggling at 125-7, were rescued by Raza, who contributed a crucial 39 runs. Raza shared an essential 62-run partnership with No. 9 batter Richard Ngarava, who was Zimbabwe’s top scorer with 48. The pair helped lift Zimbabwe’s total to 205 before being bowled out, providing a competitive score under challenging conditions.
The Pakistan team, featuring a number of debutants and resting key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Debutant Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Hasnain couldn’t make an impact as Zimbabwe’s openers took advantage of a lackluster start from Pakistan’s pace attack.
Zimbabwe’s Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie made a solid start, putting up a quick 40-run partnership before Gumbie was run out in a mix-up. Pakistan’s spinners then struck back, with left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram taking 3-24, and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha picking up 3-42, reducing Zimbabwe to 125-7 by the 26th over.
However, Raza and Ngarava’s 69-ball partnership took Zimbabwe from a precarious position to a respectable total. Raza was eventually dismissed trying to clear the boundary, while Ngarava was the last wicket to fall after a spirited knock that included five fours and a six.
Chasing a target of 206, Pakistan struggled right from the start. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani used the favorable conditions effectively, taking early wickets of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, leaving Pakistan reeling at 15-2. Despite efforts from Kamran Ghulam (17) and captain Mohammad Rizwan (19 not out), Pakistan couldn’t establish momentum in their chase.
Zimbabwe’s spinners then tightened the grip, with Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza dismantling Pakistan’s middle order. Sean Williams took two crucial wickets, while Raza claimed two more in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at 60-6 in the 21st over. Rain then interrupted play, and with Pakistan well behind the required rate, Zimbabwe claimed an 80-run victory using the DLS method.
The series will continue with two more ODIs, followed by three T20 matches, all of which will also be played in Bulawayo.