Zimbabwe secured a stunning 80-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected one-day international (ODI) at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday. The match, which was disrupted by heavy rain, thunder, and lightning, ended with the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method favoring the home team after Pakistan’s batting collapsed under challenging conditions. Zimbabwe Upsets Pakistan in Rain-Affected ODI.
Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 205 runs in 40.2 overs, anchored by a vital 62-run eighth-wicket partnership between Richard Ngarava (48) and Sikandar Raza (39). Their lower-order contributions proved crucial after the top order struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers. Fayyaz Akram (3-24) and S. Ali Agha (3-42) were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, keeping Zimbabwe’s scoring under check early on. However, Ngarava’s late flourish, supported by Raza and Tadiwanashe Marumani (29), ensured a competitive total for the hosts.
Chasing 206, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing just 60 runs for the loss of six wickets in 21 overs before the rain halted play. None of the top-order batters could make an impact, with Mohammad Rizwan remaining unbeaten on 19. Zimbabwe’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Blessing Muzarabani (2-9) and Sean Williams (2-12) dismantling Pakistan’s lineup with economical spells. Zimbabwe Upsets Pakistan in Rain-Affected ODI.
The weather interruption brought the match to an abrupt end, and after several hours of delay, the DLS method confirmed Zimbabwe’s emphatic 80-run win. This victory is a significant morale boost for Zimbabwe, especially against a Pakistan team reeling from a 3-0 ODI series loss to Australia earlier in the week.
The two teams will meet again on Tuesday and Thursday to complete the ODI series, followed by a three-match Twenty20 International series. For Pakistan, the focus will be on regrouping quickly before heading to South Africa for an all-format tour.Zimbabwe Upsets Pakistan in Rain-Affected ODI.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe: 205 in 40.2 overs (R. Ngarava 48, S. Raza 39, T. Marumani 29; F. Akram 3-24, S. Ali Agha 3-42)
Pakistan: 60-6 in 21 overs (M. Rizwan 19 not out; B. Muzarabani 2-9, S. Williams 2-12)
This result marks a significant achievement for Zimbabwe, underlining their potential to challenge higher-ranked teams on the international stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan faces mounting pressure to address their batting woes ahead of upcoming fixtures.
