Mon Nov 25 09:11:22 UTC 2024: ## Zimbabwe Stun Pakistan in Rain-Affected 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 Sunday, winning by 80 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (DLS). This marks Zimbabwe’s first home win against Pakistan since 2015, a significant achievement considering their historically poor record against their opponents.
Pakistan, fielding a second-string team with key players rested, struggled throughout the rain-affected match. Chasing a revised target of 206, they collapsed to 60 for 6 in just 21 overs before a heavy downpour further hampered their chances. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 19 was a lone highlight in a dismal batting performance.
Blessing Muzarabani spearheaded Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, dismissing both openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique within the fifth over. The middle order offered little resistance, with Agha Salman, Haseebullah Khan, and Irfan Khan falling in quick succession.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s innings also faced challenges. While openers Joylord Gumbie and Innocent Kaia provided early impetus, the middle order faltered. Sikandar Raza’s 39 and Richard Ngavara’s crucial 48, however, helped them recover from 125 for 7 to post a competitive total. A vital 62-run partnership between Ngavara and Raza proved decisive.
Agha Salman and Faisal Akram were Pakistan’s most successful bowlers, taking three wickets apiece. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s batting failure proved insurmountable, leading to a comprehensive defeat. The series continues on Tuesday in Bulawayo.
First Piper 