In a stunning display of resilience, Pakistan clinched a 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI, showcasing their depth and character to secure a 2-1 series win despite missing key players.
Demonstrating both poise and strength, Pakistan achieved a 99-run triumph over Zimbabwe in the critical third ODI held in Bulawayo, thereby clinching the series 2-1. Even in the absence of key players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's well-rounded team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, showcased an impressive performance, earning their second consecutive ODI series victory. Their exceptional recovery from a disappointing first match illustrated the resolve of a team that is gradually establishing itself as a formidable presence in the world of cricket.
Choosing to bat first on a pitch that aided both batting and bowling, Pakistan set a challenging target of 303 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. The innings was led by Kamran Ghulam, who made a notable entry into international cricket with a brilliantly played century. Scoring 103 runs off 99 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, he provided a solid foundation for the innings. Ghulam's partnership with Abdullah Shafique, who contributed 50 runs, was pivotal, as they combined for 89 important runs for the second wicket.
Although Rizwan had a sluggish start, scoring 37 runs off 47 balls, and the middle order did not deliver explosive performances, the strong foundation laid by Ghulam and Shafique, along with the contributions from Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir, allowed Pakistan to exceed the 300-run mark. This accomplishment was particularly commendable in light of the missing key players, highlighting Pakistan's rich talent pool and demonstrating that they are still a formidable opponent, even without their leading stars.
In a surprising tactical decision, Pakistan commenced their bowling innings with a focus on spin. The combination of Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed asserted control during the initial overs, a strategy that effectively countered Zimbabwe's top batting order. This plan yielded quick results when Saim Ayub struck twice in the third over, leaving Zimbabwe in a precarious position at 10 for 2.
Ayub's accuracy and control were crucial, and his performance was supported by Agha and Ahmed, who maintained pressure during their respective bowling spells. These early breakthroughs established a challenging momentum for the match. With Zimbabwe struggling at 49 for 3, it was evident that the hosts were already losing their grip, despite the efforts of Craig Ervine and Sean Williams to stabilize the innings.
The entry of Haris Rauf into the bowling attack proved to be a decisive move, as his speed disrupted the emerging partnership of Ervine and Williams. Rauf’s timely wicket, along with his subsequent performances, prevented Zimbabwe from recovering. Ervine’s courageous half-century represented the only significant resistance from the Zimbabwean side, and his dismissal marked the onset of Zimbabwe's collapse.
Faisal Akram's economical bowling spell further intensified Zimbabwe's challenges as Pakistan's well-organized bowling unit, with contributions from all players, managed to bowl out Zimbabwe for a mere 204 runs. Saim Ayub, who played a crucial role throughout the series, was rightfully recognized as Player of the Series for his outstanding all-round performances.
In his remarks after the match, Mohammad Rizwan conveyed his deep pride in the team's performance, emphasizing the challenges they managed to overcome in order to secure the series victory. Reflecting on the loss in the first match, Rizwan stated, 'It feels great to achieve this. We lost the first game, and there were high expectations from our nation. However, we believed in our ability to bounce back. We understood that we would face some pressure here, as it is always tough playing away due to the conditions. Yet, as professionals, we performed exceptionally well, reduced our errors, and executed effectively.'
This victory in the series further solidifies Rizwan's standing as a captain. Despite missing several key players, he successfully motivated his team and led them to a decisive win. His leadership is now recognized as a crucial element in Pakistan's revival, not only in this series but also throughout their wider ODI campaign.
Now that the ODI series has concluded, both Pakistan and Zimbabwe will turn their attention to the forthcoming T20I series, which kicks off on December 1 in Bulawayo. Following their performances in the ODI series, Pakistan approaches the T20s with boosted confidence and a larger selection of players. The key question is how swiftly they can convert their ODI success into victories in the shorter format.
Zimbabwe will need to regroup and reassess after a series of missed chances, particularly in light of Pakistan's dominant bowling display. They must concentrate on strengthening their middle order and finding ways to counter Pakistan's spin-heavy attack if they hope to compete with the visitors in the T20 format.
