Kamran Ghulam’s maiden century, Abdullah Shafique’s solid half-century and bowling brilliance powered Pakistan to a comprehensive 99-run victory against Zimbabwe in third and final ODI at the Queen Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday.
PAKISTAN’S INNINGS
Opting to bat first, the Men in Green had posted a staggering 303-6 on the scorecard, with Ghulam and Shafique notched a ton and half-century respectively.
Saim Ayub was once again ensured to continue the momentum he gained back in the 2nd ODI with the magnificent century. He looked good for his 37-ball 31, clobbered three boundaries and one towering six, before he was removed by Faraz Akram.
Ghulam joined the wicket to ensure the flow of runs continued. He smashed 10 fours and four sixes in his 99-ball 103 before he was removed by Ngarava.
Rizwan was also looking to play a big innings, but it was Zimbabwe veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza Butt that once again got the breakthrough for his side. The Pakistan captain scored four boundaries and one six in his 47-ball 37.
Pakistan vice-captain Salman Agha could not convert the good start to the big innings and was undone by Ngarava on 26-ball 30.
Tayyab Tahir, who got finally got the opportunity to briefly enjoy the outing with the bat. Tahir plundered valuable runs with the bat of late, whacking four boundaries in his unbeaten 16-ball 29.
Blessing Muzarabani took a scalp of Irfan Khan Niazi, who could not show significant resistance with the bat, clobbering six boundaries.
Aamer Jamal remained unbeaten on 4-ball 5.
For Zimbabwe, Sikanda Raza Butt (2-47) and Richard Ngarava (2-55) picked up two wickets apiece.
Faraz Akram (1-63) and Blessing Muzarabani (1-66) took a scalp each.
Sean Williams (0-43) and Brian Bennett (0-27) could not managed to provide Zimbabwe with any breakthrough.
