Match Summary:
Pakistan secured a dominant 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI of the three-match series, played on November 26, 2024, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This emphatic win leveled the series 1-1, thanks to a maiden century from Saim Ayub and a strong bowling performance led by debutant Abrar Ahmed.
Key Performances:
Saim Ayub's Maiden Century
- Saim Ayub blasted an unbeaten 113 runs off just 62 balls, achieving his first ODI century in style.
- His knock, laced with 17 fours and 3 sixes, came at an impressive strike rate of 182.25.
- He reached his century in just 53 balls, making it the joint third-fastest ODI century for Pakistan, alongside Shahid Afridi.
Pakistan's Bowling Brilliance
- Abrar Ahmed impressed on debut, claiming 4 wickets for 33 runs in 8 overs, including two maidens.
- Salman Agha provided solid support, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs.
- Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket each, restricting Zimbabwe to 145 in 32.3 overs.
Match Statistics:
- Pakistan's 10-wicket win equals their largest victory in terms of wickets remaining in ODIs. It is their fifth overall and second such win against Zimbabwe.
- Zimbabwe's total of 145 is their ninth-lowest score in completed ODI innings against Pakistan and their fourth-lowest at home against them.
Zimbabwe's Struggles with the Bat:
- Top Scorers:
- Dion Myers: 33 runs off 30 balls, including 6 fours (strike rate 110).
- Sean Williams: 31 runs off 39 balls with 2 fours.
- Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza contributed 18 and 17 runs, respectively.
Pakistan’s Dominant Chase:
- Chasing a target of 146, Pakistan raced to victory in just 18.2 overs without losing a wicket.
- Saim Ayub's unbeaten 113 was complemented by Abdullah Shafique's steady 32 not out off 48 balls, which included 4 boundaries.
Player of the Match:
Saim Ayub was named Player of the Match for his scintillating, match-winning knock of 113*, marking a milestone performance early in his ODI career.
Pakistan's comprehensive performance sets up an exciting decider for the series finale.
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