Pakistan crumbled in Zimbabwe in Rain affected match

Grassroots Cricket|

The 1st ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was a rain-affected encounter that saw Zimbabwe secure a commanding win by 80 runs (DLS method). Pakistan, electing to field first after winning the toss, introduced two debutants: left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram and wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan. Aamer Jamal also returned to the playing XI.

For Zimbabwe, Brian Bennett and medium-fast bowler Trevor Gwandu made their debuts, marking a fresh start for the hosts in their first ODI since January.

Zimbabwe’s openers, Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani, laid a solid foundation, scoring 40 runs in the first six overs. However, a misjudged run resulted in Gumbie being run out. Salman Ali Agha removed key batters Marumani, Craig Ervine, and Sean Williams.

Faisal Akram, on debut, stole the spotlight with a brilliant display of wrist spin, taking three crucial wickets, including that of Zimbabwe’s talisman Sikandar Raza, as well as Blessing Muzarabani and Brandon Mavuta. Despite a spirited start, Zimbabwe’s innings concluded at 205 in 40.2 overs, leaving Pakistan with a seemingly modest chase.

Chasing 206, Pakistan’s innings faltered from the outset. Blessing Muzarabani struck early, dismissing both openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub.

The collapse continued as Sikandar Raza dismantled the middle order, claiming the wickets of debutant Haseebullah Khan and Salman Ali Agha in a single over.

At 60/6, Pakistan was in deep trouble when rain interrupted play. Pakistan was well behind according to the DLS score. The rain persisted, and the innings did not resume, handing Zimbabwe a comprehensive victory.

 

Scores in brief:

Zimbabwe: 205 (Richard Ngarava 48, Sikandar Raza 39; Blessing Muzarabani 2/19)

Pakistan: 60/6 (Rizwan 19, Kamran Ghulam 17; Faisal Akram 3/24)

 

Zimbabwe won by 81 runs (DLS)