Tue Nov 26 10:56:28 UTC 2024: ## Zimbabwe Stuns Pakistan in ODI Series Opener
**Harare, Zimbabwe:** Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning upset victory over Pakistan in the first One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series today. Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance and a crucial lower-order contribution from their batting line-up.
Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to field first. Zimbabwe struggled in the early stages, with only opener Marumani (29) offering significant resistance at the top. However, a valuable 39 from Sikandar Raza (including six boundaries) and a late flourish from Ryan Burl (48) helped Zimbabwe post a modest total of 205 all out in 40.2 overs. Sean Williams also contributed 23 runs. Muzarabani, Williams, and Raza each took two wickets for Zimbabwe.
Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum. Their top order faltered against accurate Zimbabwean bowling. Captain Rizwan top-scored with just 19 runs. With Pakistan struggling at 60/6 in 21 overs, rain intervened, forcing a premature end to the match. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method was employed, resulting in an 80-run victory for Zimbabwe.
Sikandar Raza, who excelled with both bat and ball, was named Player of the Match. The remaining two ODIs and the subsequent T20 series will be closely watched as Pakistan looks to bounce back from this unexpected defeat.
First Piper 