Zimbabwe delivered a shocking upset to Pakistan in the opening ODI in Bulawayo, powered by Sikandar Raza’s all-round brilliance and Richard Ngarava’s career-best knock. The match, marred by rain, saw Zimbabwe triumph by 80 runs via the DLS method.
Match Recap
The decision to rest key players cost Pakistan dearly, as Zimbabwe capitalized on the opportunity. Despite three-wicket hauls from Agha Salman and Faisal Akram, the hosts managed to post a modest 205. In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, falling to 60/6 in 21 overs before rain interrupted play.
Zimbabwe’s Innings: Battling for Respectability
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe got off to a brisk start with Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie taking on the Pakistani bowlers. However, a miscommunication in the sixth over led to Gumbie’s run-out, triggering a top-order collapse.
Zimbabwe’s middle-order, including Dion Mayers and Craig Ervine, struggled to stabilize the innings. Sean Williams and Brian Bennett attempted a brief recovery before Salman dismissed Williams for a quick-fire 23. At 125/7, Zimbabwe appeared to be heading for a subpar total.
Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava, however, rescued the hosts with a crucial 62-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Ngarava counter-attacked brilliantly, particularly against Haris Rauf’s short-pitched deliveries, helping Zimbabwe post a competitive total.
Pakistan’s Response: Early Setbacks and a Collapse
Pakistan’s chase began on a disastrous note, with Blessing Muzarabani dismissing both openers, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, cheaply. Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild the innings but found themselves undone by Zimbabwe’s spinners.
Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza spun a web around Pakistan’s middle order, with Raza trapping Salman lbw and cleaning up Haseebullah Khan. Irfan Khan and Rizwan could not turn the tide as Pakistan’s innings was halted by rain, handing Zimbabwe a commanding victory.
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Brief Scores
Zimbabwe: 205 in 40.2 overs (Richard Ngarava 48, Sikandar Raza 39; Faisal Akram 3-24, Agha Salman 3-42)Pakistan: 60/6 in 21 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 19*; Sikandar Raza 2-7, Blessing Muzarabani 2-9)Result: Zimbabwe won by 80 runs (DLS Method). credits-https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/132525/raza-ngarava-stun-pakistan-in-opening-odi
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