Sun Nov 24 23:57:36 UTC 2024: ## Zimbabwe Stun Pakistan in Rain-Shortened ODI Thriller

**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe:** Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning upset victory over Pakistan in the first One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series on November 24th. A rain-affected match at Queens Sports Club saw Zimbabwe triumph by 80 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

Zimbabwe, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, posted a modest 205 runs. While openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie provided a quick start, Pakistan spinners Salman Ali Agha and Sam Qayyum pegged back Zimbabwe’s middle order, dismissing captain Craig Ervine and Dion Myers. A crucial 62-run partnership between Sikandar Raza (49) and Richard Ngarava (48) helped Zimbabwe reach a respectable total. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain bowled well, but Zimbabwe managed to hold on.

However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers then produced a dominant performance, dismantling the Pakistani batting line-up. Blessing Muzarabani struck early, removing Abdullah Shafique and Sam Qayyum without scoring. Spinners Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza then wreaked havoc in the middle order, leaving Pakistan reeling at 60/6 after 21 overs. Rain then interrupted play, resulting in Zimbabwe’s comfortable DLS victory. The win is a significant upset against a higher-ranked Pakistan team.

Read More