Zimbabwe Secure Stunning Win Over Pakistan in Rain-Shortened 1st ODI

Zimbabwe pulled off a remarkable victory over Pakistan in the rain-affected first ODI in Bulawayo on Sunday, defeating the visitors by 80 runs using the DLS method. Richard Ngrava’s career-best 48 and Sikandar Raza’s all-round performance, with both bat and ball, guided Zimbabwe to a commanding position, while Pakistan’s decision to rest key players backfired in a dramatic collapse.

Put in to bat, Zimbabwe made a solid start with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie attacking Pakistan’s pace bowlers Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Hasnain during the powerplay. However, Gumbie was run out in the sixth over attempting a non-existent single, which triggered a collapse. Zimbabwe lost their next four wickets cheaply, with Dion Mayers and Craig Ervine failing to contribute significantly. By the time Zimbabwe had reached 99 for 5, the pressure was mounting, despite an opening stand of 40 runs.

Sikandar Raza (39) and Sean Williams briefly tried to stabilize the innings, but Agha Salman struck again, dismissing Williams for 23 with a simple catch behind the stumps. Brian Bennett and Brandon Mavuta followed soon after, reducing Zimbabwe to 125 for 7. However, Ngrava and Raza formed an important partnership, adding 62 runs for the eighth wicket to push Zimbabwe past 200. Ngrava was particularly aggressive, taking on Pakistan’s short-ball attack, while Raza provided vital support. Ngrava’s knock ended at 48, and with his departure, Zimbabwe’s innings wrapped up at 205 in 40.2 overs, as Faisal Akram claimed three wickets.

In reply, Pakistan’s chase was immediately under pressure. Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani struck early, dismissing both openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, who were caught behind for 0 and 15, respectively. Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan tried to rebuild the innings, but Ghulam’s dismissal for 14 triggered another collapse. Sean Williams’ sharp off-spin did the damage, removing Salman (3) and Haseebullah Khan (0) in quick succession. Irfan Khan also fell to Williams, leaving Pakistan reeling at 60 for 6.

Despite Rizwan’s resilient 19 not out, the rain curtailed further play, leaving Pakistan well short of the target. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Raza (2-7) and Muzarabani (2-9), were clinical in reducing the visitors to a near-impossible position.

Brief Scores:

• Zimbabwe: 205 in 40.2 overs (Richard Ngrava 48, Sikandar Raza 39; Faisal Akram 3-24, Agha Salman 3-42)
• Pakistan: 60/6 in 21 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 19*; Sikandar Raza 2-7, Blessing Muzarabani 2-9)
  Result: Zimbabwe won by 80 runs (DLS Method)