Bulawayo: Zimbabwe secured a commanding 80-run victory against Pakistan in the opening ODI of a three-match series, courtesy of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after rain interrupted play.
Chasing a modest target of 206, Pakistan struggled to find momentum, collapsing to 60 for 6 in 21 overs before rain halted proceedings. The visitors fell significantly short, with five of their batters failing to reach double digits.
Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub departed early, managing just 1 and 11 runs respectively, as Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani dismantled Pakistan’s top order. Kamran Ghulam, who debuted with a century against England, was also dismissed cheaply for 17 by Sean Williams.
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Despite early setbacks, hopes rested on vice-captain Agha Salman and debutant Haseebullah Khan. However, both faltered under pressure, contributing just 4 and 0 runs, respectively. Captain Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten at 19 but could not alter the outcome as rain sealed Zimbabwe’s win.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s innings concluded at 205 in 40.2 overs, with standout performances from Richard Ngarava (48) and Sikandar Raza (39). Pakistan’s Faisal Akram shone on debut with a three-wicket haul.
The second ODI will be played on November 26, with the third scheduled for November 28, followed by a three-match T20I series.
