1st ODI
Raza and Ngarava has lead the Zimbabwe to stunning victory over Pakistan in opening ODI
Zimbabwe scored 205 in 40.2 overs, where as Pakistan scored 60/6 in 21 overs.
So, finally Zimbabwe beat Pakistan by 80 runs (DLS Method).
Richard Ngarava’s career-best 48 and Sikandar Raza’s all-round brilliance (39 & 2/7) powered Zimbabwe to a remarkable win over Pakistan in the rain-affected 1st ODI in Bulawayo on Sunday.
Pakistan’s decision to rest key players backfired, as Zimbabwe posted 205 despite three-wicket hauls from Agha Salman and Faisal Akram.
Zimbabwe then reduced Pakistan to 60/6 before rain halted play.
Put in to bat, Zimbabwe started briskly with Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie taking on Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Hasnain in the powerplay.
However, Gumbie’s needless run out in the sixth over sparked a collapse, and Zimbabwe quickly slumped to 99 for 5 after a solid 40-run opening stand.
Dion Mayers and Craig Ervine both fell cheaply, and while Sean Williams and Brian Bennett briefly tried to stabilize the innings, Salman struck again, dismissing Williams for 23 after a mistimed shot.
Bennett and Brandon Mavuta also fell quickly, leaving Zimbabwe at 125 for 7.
Just as Zimbabwe’s innings appeared to be faltering, Raza and Ngarava mounted a 12-over stand, adding 62 runs for the eighth wicket, with Ngarava taking on the short balls from Haris Rauf.
Faisal Akram broke the partnership in the 38th over, dismissing Ngarava and bringing Zimbabwe to its final pair.
In response, Pakistan’s chase faltered early as Blessing Muzarabani dismissed both openers—Abdullah Shafique caught down the leg side and Saim Ayub edging a drive.
Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings briefly, but Ghulam was dismissed by Sean Williams’ sharp turn, sparking a collapse.
Salman was trapped by Raza, Haseebullah Khan was bowled by Williams, and Irfan Khan was cleaned up by the same bowler.
Rizwan fought on at the other end, but rain halted play, leaving Pakistan with little hope of a revival.
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