In the first ODI in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs under the DLS method.
Pakistan’s batting line collapsed while chasing 206 runs. After 21 overs, Pakistan was struggling at 60 for 6 when rain ended the match.
Pakistan’s Innings
Chasing 206, Pakistan’s openers, Saeem Ayub and Abdullah Shafiq, couldn’t build a lasting partnership. Shafiq was dismissed for just 1 run when the total was 11.
At 17, Saeem Ayub followed, caught for 11 runs, and Kamran Ghulam was dismissed for 17.
Salman Agha was LBW for 4 at 49, and Hasibullah Khan was bowled for a duck. Pakistan were 60 for 6 when rain interrupted the match.
Zimbabwe’s Batting
Zimbabwe’s openers tried to start aggressively but faltered early. At 40, Joylord Gumbie was run out for 15 by Abdullah Shafiq, and Dion Myers contributed just 8 runs.
Captain Craig Ervine (6), Tadiwanashe Marumani (29), Sean Williams (23), Brian Bennett (20), Brandon Mavuta (1), and Blessing Muzarabani (0) were dismissed cheaply.
A resilient 62-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Sikandar Raza (39) and Richard Ngarava (48, including 5 fours and 1 six) helped Zimbabwe reach a competitive total before Raza fell to debutant Faisal Akram.
Pakistan’s Bowling
For Pakistan, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha and debutant Faisal Akram each took three wickets. Haris Rauf, Aamer Jamal, and Mohammad Hasnain claimed one wicket each, while one Zimbabwean player was run out.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to field, a decision that paid off as the bowling unit kept Zimbabwe under pressure throughout the innings. Faisal Akram, making his international debut, demonstrated great skill and composure, marking an impactful start to his career.
Playing XI
The Pakistani playing XI featured a mix of experienced and emerging talent, including Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haseebullah, Salman Agha, and Irfan Khan. The bowling lineup consisted of Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Faisal Akram.
