Pakistan’s dominant performance in the second ODI saw them level the three-match series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 10-wicket victory, powered by a scintillating century from Saim Ayub and a four-wicket haul from debutant Abrar Ahmed.
Chasing a modest target of 146, Pakistan cruised to victory in just 26.2 overs, with 190 balls to spare. Saim, in particular, was in imperious form, scoring his maiden ODI century in just 53 balls – the third-fastest century by a Pakistani batter in men's ODIs, trailing only the legendary Shahid Afridi.
The left-handed batter’s explosive knock of 113* off 62 balls was laced with 20 boundaries, including three sixes. Abdullah Shafique supported him with an unbeaten 32 as the duo saw Pakistan home without losing a wicket.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s batting woes continued as they were bowled out for a paltry 145 in 32.5 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Abrar Ahmed, were relentless. Abrar, making his ODI debut, starred with figures of 4/33, while Salman Ali Agha also impressed with 3/34. Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub added to the wickets tally, claiming one each.
Zimbabwe’s innings was built on a shaky foundation, with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Joylord Gumbie (5) departing early. A 38-run partnership between Dion Myers and captain Craig Ervine provided brief hope, but the hosts were soon in deep trouble. Myers, top-scoring with 33 runs, was dismissed by Agha, and the middle-order collapsed rapidly, leaving Zimbabwe at 97/5 by the 20th over.
Despite a brief resistance from all-rounder Sean Williams (31 off 39 balls), Zimbabwe could only manage 145, with no batter able to offer significant support. Pakistan’s bowlers cleaned up the tail, and Zimbabwe’s innings folded with 145 runs on the board.
With the series now tied at 1-1, the final ODI will take place on Thursday at the same venue, with both teams eager to seize the series victory.
Brief scores:
Zimbabwe: 145 all out (32.5 overs)
Top scorer: Dion Myers 33 (30 balls)
Pakistan Bowling: Abrar Ahmed 4/33, Salman Ali Agha 3/34, Faisal Akram 1/17, Saim Ayub 1/28
Pakistan: 146/0 (26.2 overs)
Top scorer: Saim Ayub 113* (62 balls)
Abdullah Shafique 32* (45 balls)
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