For the first time in the three-match series between Zimbabwe and Pakistan, the visitors batted first in the third and final ODI. Although the batting powerplay was not particularly impressive, it was still a good beginning for the openers. After holding back at deep square leg to give Faraz Akram his maiden dismissal, Saim Ayub, the centurion from a few days ago, was the first batter to be out.
Abdullah Shafique, who was already comfortable at the crease, was accompanied by Kamran Ghulam. In the 22nd over, they reached the team hundred while batting with remarkable ease. But Shafique could not go much farther. After recording his sixth half-century in the same over, the top-order batsman left. As momentum built in the innings, Ghulam took Brian Bennett for 16 runs.
In the 40th over, Sikandar Raza removed Mohammad Rizwan, ending the 89-run partnership. Ghulam reached his first ODI century off 96 deliveries shortly after, dismissing a slight drag-down to the right of deep midwicket. Tayyab Tahir had a crucial cameo of 16 balls and 29 runs as Pakistan finished with 303/6 after the 46th and 47th overs were hammered for 37 runs in total. The best bowler in terms of economy rate was Sean Williams, despite the fact that he returned without taking any wickets.
Only the third over of the run-chase, Ayub’s double-wicket over, put Zimbabwe behind them. Tadiwanashe Marumani was making good headway until Abrar Ahmed began his spell with a wicket-maiden by trapping him in front. In reality, during the first ten innings, the home team had scored one more run than Pakistan. But, having dropped three more wickets in the same period, they were at a disadvantage.
Sean Williams was dismissed by Haris Rauf, who claimed another wicket. Sikandar Raza, the Player of the Match in the first game of the series, and captain Craig Ervine held on to give his team hope. Ervine chopped on a delivery from Aamer Jamal, putting Zimbabwe five down at the 26-over stage, four deliveries after Tahir dropped a dolly at midwicket. After Raza left within two overs, Zimbabwe’s remaining hope was eroded.
In the ODI series versus Zimbabwe, Pakistan wins.
Benett used his willow to make up for his bowling performance as best he could. He was unable to take use of the fact that he had his eyes in, and Benett ended up being Abrar’s second victim of the day. With Clive Madande and Richard Ngarava leaving on consecutive deliveries, Pakistan won by 99 runs, securing the series by a 1-2 score.
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