Sun Nov 24 15:14:09 UTC 2024: ## Zimbabwe Stun Pakistan in Rain-Curtailed ODI Thriller
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe:** Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 80-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected first ODI at Bulawayo on Sunday. A career-best 48 from Richard Ngrava and a crucial all-round performance from Sikandar Raza (39 runs and 2/7) spearheaded Zimbabwe’s triumph.
Pakistan’s decision to rest key players backfired spectacularly. Despite three-wicket hauls from Agha Salman (3-42) and Faisal Akram (3-24), Zimbabwe managed a respectable 205 in 40.2 overs, despite a middle-order collapse. The hosts’ innings was punctuated by a brisk start, followed by a slump after Gumbie’s run-out, before a vital late partnership between Ngrava and Raza steered them to a defendable total.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase faltered dramatically. Blessing Muzarabani removed both openers, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, early on. While Mohammad Rizwan (19*) offered some resistance, a collapse ensued, triggered by Sean Williams’ sharp delivery that dismissed Kamran Ghulam. Raza and Williams then combined to dismantle the middle order, leaving Pakistan reeling at 60/6 when rain brought an early end to the innings.
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method ultimately confirmed Zimbabwe’s comprehensive victory by 80 runs, marking a significant upset against a higher-ranked opponent.
First Piper 