In an emphatic display, Pakistan leveled the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe with a dominant 10-wicket win in the second game. Saim Ayub’s blazing century and debutant Abrar Ahmed’s four-wicket haul were the cornerstones of the victory.
Chasing a target of 146, Pakistan raced to the finish line in just 26.2 overs, with 190 balls to spare. Saim Ayub was in scintillating form, smashing his maiden ODI century off just 53 deliveries—the third-fastest by a Pakistani batter in men’s ODIs, following Shahid Afridi’s records.
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The left-hander remained unbeaten on 113 off 62 balls, striking 20 boundaries, including three sixes. Abdullah Shafique provided steady support, finishing with 32 not out, as the duo secured a flawless chase.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s batting faltered once again, managing only 145 runs in 32.5 overs. Abrar Ahmed shone on debut with figures of 4/33, while Salman Ali Agha contributed significantly with 3/34. Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket each.
Zimbabwe’s innings struggled from the start, with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Joylord Gumbie (5) departing early. A 38-run stand between Dion Myers and skipper Craig Ervine offered brief hope, but the collapse that followed was swift. Myers top-scored with 33 before falling to Agha, leaving the hosts at 97/5 by the 20th over.
Sean Williams resisted with a 31-run knock off 39 balls, but Zimbabwe couldn’t recover, folding for 145. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and tight fielding left no room for recovery.
With the series tied 1-1, the final ODI is set for Thursday, where both sides will fight for the decisive victory.
Match Summary:
- Zimbabwe: 145 all out (32.5 overs)
- Top scorer: Dion Myers (33 off 30)
- Pakistan Bowling: Abrar Ahmed 4/33, Salman Ali Agha 3/34
- Pakistan: 146/0 (26.2 overs)
- Top scorer: Saim Ayub (113* off 62), Abdullah Shafique (32* off 45)
