Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 1st ODI: Zimbabwe Stun Pakistan with a Dominant All-Round Performance

Zimbabwe delivered a comprehensive performance in the 1st ODI against Pakistan at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, claiming an emphatic 80-run victory via the DLS method. Led by Sikandar Raza’s all-round brilliance, Zimbabwe defended a modest 205, reducing Pakistan to a hapless 60/6 before rain sealed the result.

Zimbabwe’s Batting: Raza and Ngarava Lead the Rescue Act

Zimbabwe’s top-order struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers after losing the toss and being asked to bat first. Joylord Gumbie (15) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (29) provided a steady start but fell early. The middle-order faltered further as Agha Salman (3/42) and Faisal Akram (3/24) wreaked havoc, leaving Zimbabwe at 125/7.

Sikandar Raza (39 off 56) and Richard Ngarava (48 off 52) turned the tide with a crucial 62-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Raza’s composure and Ngarava’s aggression lifted Zimbabwe to 205 before they were bowled out in 40.2 overs.

Pakistan’s Batting: A Collapse to Forget

In reply, Pakistan’s chase unraveled spectacularly. Blessing Muzarabani (2/19) struck early, dismissing both openers. Sikandar Raza’s magical spell (2/7) and Sean Williams’ guile (2/12) ripped through Pakistan’s middle-order. By the time rain stopped play, Pakistan were tottering at 60/6 in 21 overs, well behind the DLS par score.

Sikandar Raza: The Star of the Show

Raza’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. He not only stabilized Zimbabwe’s innings but also delivered crucial breakthroughs with the ball. His heartwarming gesture of donating his prize money to a young cancer survivor won hearts worldwide.

Scorecard Summary

Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 1st ODI
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo - 24 November 2024

Zimbabwe Innings: 205 all out (40.2 overs; R Ngarava 48, S Raza 39; F Akram 3/24, A Salman 3/42)
Pakistan Innings: 60/6 (21 overs; M Rizwan 19*, S Ayub 11; S Raza 2/7, S Williams 2/12)

Result: Zimbabwe won by 80 runs (DLS method)

Post-Match Reflections

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine praised his bowlers for defending a subpar total, highlighting the pivotal contributions of Raza and Ngarava. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan lamented his team’s inability to handle pressure and adapt to conditions. Signed jerseys from both teams were donated to KidzCan, a charity supporting childhood cancer survivors, marking a touching end to a memorable day of cricket.

Zimbabwe leads the three-match series 1-0. Pakistan will need to regroup quickly ahead of the second ODI to keep the series alive. Stay tuned for more action from this thrilling contest!