Tue Nov 26 15:14:27 UTC 2024: ## Zimbabwe Stuns Pakistan in Rain-Shortened ODI Thriller
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe:** Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 80-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected first One Day International (ODI) at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on November 24th. Chasing a revised target of 126 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, Pakistan were bowled out for a paltry 45 runs in 21 overs.
Zimbabwe, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, posted a modest 205 runs in their allotted 50 overs. While openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie provided a solid start, Pakistan’s spinners Salman Ali Agha and Sam Ayub pegged back the middle order. Sikandar Raza (49) and Richard Ngarava (48) resurrected the innings with a crucial 62-run partnership. Pakistan’s pace bowlers, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain, provided some late resistance.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers completely dominated the Pakistan batting lineup. Blessing Muzarabani removed both Abdullah Shafique and Sam Ayub early, before spinners Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza wreaked havoc in the middle order. Pakistan never recovered from the early setbacks, collapsing under the pressure of accurate bowling and aggressive fielding.
Rain interrupted play with Pakistan struggling at 60/6 in the 21st over. The DLS method was applied, resulting in a comprehensive 80-run victory for Zimbabwe, who claimed a surprising 1-0 lead in the three-match series. This unexpected win marks a significant upset for the visiting Pakistan team.
First Piper 