Pakistan thump Zimbabwe to clinch ODI series 2-1

Kamran Ghulam’s maiden century, combined with a strong bowling performance, led Pakistan to a commanding 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the final match of their ODI series at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Set a challenging target of 304, Zimbabwe was dismissed for 204, despite a resilient half-century from captain Craig Ervine. The home side’s chase got off to a rocky start, as they found themselves at 10/2 within the first three overs.

Ervine, however, steadied the ship with Tadiwanashe Marumani, putting together a cautious 39-run partnership before Marumani was dismissed in the ninth over. Ervine then teamed up with Sean Williams, and the duo added 41 runs for the fourth wicket before Ervine fell to Aamir Jamal in the 26th over. Ervine’s 51 off 63 balls, which included five fours and a six, was the highest score for Zimbabwe.

Brian Bennett briefly resisted with a quick-fire 37 from 27 balls, but Zimbabwe’s chase was ultimately derailed by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Aamir Jamal all claimed two wickets each, while Kamran Ghulam and Faisal Akram took one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 303/6 in their allotted 50 overs, with Kamran Ghulam leading the charge with a superb century. Abdullah Shafique also contributed with a solid knock as Pakistan set a strong total.

The win secured Pakistan’s series victory, as they dominated both with the bat and ball in the decisive ODI.