Zimbabwe rode on a sensational all-round show from captain Sikandar Raza to rock Pakistan by 80 runs in the first ODI via DLS method. In the rain-curtailed match. Raza played a crucial 39-run knock and formed an instrumental 62-run partnership with Richard Ngarava (48) to propel Zimbabwe to an under-par total of 205.
Zimbabwe rock Pakistan in first ODI
In response, Pakistan's batting lineup struggled against Zimbabwe's bowlers, especially Raza, who claimed two wickets in one over. The rain interruption further hindered Pakistan's chase, and they were eventually restricted to 60-6 in 21 overs. However, rain god was in no mood to let the game resume from thereon and Zimbabwe were adjudged the winner of the match by 80 runs via DLS method. With this Zimbabwe has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava's resilient knocks in Zimbabwe's victory
Pakistan decided to rest their star batter, Babar Azam, for the first time in an ODI since 2019, as they aimed to experiment with their bench strength ahead of the Champions Trophy next year.
Zimbabwe's openers, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie, made a promising start, scoring 40 runs in the first six overs against Pakistan's inexperienced pace attack. However, Pakistan's spin bowlers, Faisal Akram and Salman Ali Agha, turned the tide, taking wickets at regular intervals and reducing Zimbabwe to 125-7 in the 26th over. Akram, a left-arm wrist-spinner, was particularly impressive, claiming 3-24 in his spell.
Ngarava and Raza formed a crucial partnership, frustrating Pakistan's bowlers and adding valuable runs to the total. Despite losing Raza to an ambitious shot, Ngarava continued to fight, scoring a valuable 48 runs before being dismissed.
Babar Azam-less Pakistan's batting line-up crashed before Zimbabwe's gritty bowling
Zimbabwe's fast bowler, Blessing Muzarabani, exploited the home conditions effectively, dismissing both Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique early in Pakistan's innings.
Pakistan's chase was derailed by Zimbabwe's spin attack. Despite a promising start from Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan, the introduction of spin changed the game. Sean Williams struck early, dismissing Ghulam with a well-placed delivery. Sikandar Raza then took center stage, dismissing Salman Ali Agha and Haseebullah Khan in consecutive deliveries, leaving Pakistan reeling at 60-6. This collapse ultimately sealed Pakistan's fate, handing Zimbabwe a comprehensive 80-run victory.
Meanwhile, the second ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan will be held on November 26.
