Daily Times

Zimbabwe claimed an 80-run victory over Pakistan via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-shortened first ODI at Queen’s Sports Club on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan, chasing a modest target of 206, were struggling at 60/6 when a downpour halted play. The rain, initially light, intensified, forcing the match to be called off as the venue lacked floodlights to extend play into dusk.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 19 with debutant Aamir Jamal yet to score when the interruption occurred.

Pakistan’s chase faltered early, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub dismissed within five overs, leaving the team at a precarious 17/2. Kamran Ghulam partnered briefly with Rizwan, but fell to Sean Williams in the 13th over as Pakistan slumped to 40/3.

Subsequent dismissals of Salman Ali Agha, Haseebullah Khan, and Muhammad Irfan deepened the trouble, with minimal contributions from the middle order.

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Williams took two wickets each, executing a disciplined bowling performance that left Pakistan with a steep DLS-adjusted deficit.

The win boosts Zimbabwe’s confidence heading into the remaining games as Pakistan looks to recover from a disappointing start in the series.

Earlier, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 205 in the first ODI of the series, setting Pakistan a target of 206 to win at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The hosts started their innings aggressively, with their openers trying to build a solid foundation. However, they lost early wickets, and the pressure mounted.

At 40 runs, Zimbabwe’s first wicket fell when Joylord Gumbie was run out for 15 by Abdullah Shafique. Soon after, Dion Myers fell for 8, leaving Zimbabwe at 58/2.

Captain Craig Ervine (6) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (29) also struggled to get going, with Ervine dismissed cheaply and Marumani falling after a brief partnership.

Sean Williams (23), Brian Bennett (20), and Brdandon Mavuta (1) could not provide significant contributions either, as Zimbabwe’s middle order faltered under pressure.

The collapse continued with the loss of key wickets, including that of Sikandar Raza, who was dismissed for 39 by Faisal Akram. Raza had earlier formed a strong partnership with Richard Ngarava, adding 62 runs for the eighth wicket.

Ngarava (48) played a determined knock, hitting 5 fours and 1 six, but lacked support from the other end as Zimbabwe were all out for 205.

Pakistan’s bowlers delivered an excellent performance, with Salman Agha and Faisal Akram each picking up 3 wickets.

Agha finished with figures of 3/29 from 7 overs, while Akram took 3/24 in 8 overs. Haris Rauf, Aamer Jamal, and Mohammad Hasnain also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring Zimbabwe could not build any significant partnerships in the latter stages of their innings.

Zimbabwe’s team captain, Craig Ervine, expressed confidence before the match, saying the team was determined to get a win on home soil against Pakistan.

With Pakistan needing 206 runs to win, the match is finely poised, and the visitors will be favorites to chase down the target given the dominant performance from their bowlers.