Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to restrict Zimbabwe to 124/6 in 24.2 overs during the opening ODI of the series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, Pakistan’s bowlers made an immediate impact, with Agha Salman leading the charge by taking 3 wickets for 29 runs from 7 overs. Salman dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani (29), Dion Myers (8), and Sean Williams (23), all of whom were caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
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Haris Rauf continued the momentum with the dismissal of Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine for just 6 runs, and the early breakthroughs came thick and fast, with Zimbabwe’s top order crumbling under Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack.
By the 19th over, Zimbabwe had lost five wickets for just 59 runs, and despite a brief fightback from Sikandar Raza (11*) and Brian Bennett (20), they couldn’t form a lasting partnership. Bennett’s dismissal at 124/6 in the 24th over left Zimbabwe in a perilous position, with four tailenders still to bat.
Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Rauf (1/12 from 4 overs) and Aamer Jamal (1/27 from 4.2 overs), maintained tight lines and pressure throughout. Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Agha, and Faisal Akram all contributed to the continued pressure on Zimbabwe’s batters.
The match marked the beginning of a three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, which will be followed by a series of T20Is. Pakistan’s squad, led by Mohammad Rizwan, arrived in Zimbabwe earlier this week and had three extensive practice sessions ahead of the series.
This series is particularly important for Pakistan as it serves as a testing ground for their bench strength ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With key players resting after the Australia series, this series provides an opportunity for other players to step up. Rizwan highlighted that the team will face challenges from Zimbabwe but emphasized the importance of backing up their recent victory against Australia.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the match included:
- Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
- Saim Ayub
- Abdullah Shafique
- Kamran Ghulam
- Haseebullah Khan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Aamir Jamal
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Faisal Akram
With the series underway, Pakistan will look to maintain their momentum and further test their squad depth as they prepare for future challenges, particularly the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
