Zimbabwe secured a commanding 80-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected one-day international at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday. Batting first, the hosts were dismissed for 205 in 40.2 overs, largely thanks to a resilient 62-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Richard Ngarava, who top-scored with 48, and Sikandar Raza, contributing 39 runs.
In response, Pakistan, still reeling from their 3-0 T20 series defeat to Australia earlier this week, found themselves in dire straits at 60-6 after 21 overs. Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 19 as Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani (2-9) and Sean Williams (2-12), dismantled the visitors’ top order.
The match was halted due to torrential rain, thunder, and lightning, leading to a long delay. Ultimately, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method was applied, confirming Zimbabwe’s dominant win.
The two teams will face each other again on Tuesday and Thursday for the remaining ODIs, followed by three T20 internationals. Pakistan is set to tour South Africa afterward for a series across all formats.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe: 205 all out in 40.2 overs (R. Ngarava 48, S. Raza 39; F. Akram 3-24, S. Ali Agha 3-42)
Pakistan: 60-6 in 21 overs (M. Rizwan 19*; B. Muzarabani 2-9, S. Williams 2-12)
