In a shocking turn of events, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the first ODI of their series at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday. The victory marked a stunning performance by the hosts against a Pakistan side that recently claimed its first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years.
After Pakistan won the toss and opted to field, Zimbabwe made a steady start with an opening 40-run stand between Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani. However, the momentum shifted when Agha Salman entered the attack, dismantling the Zimbabwean lineup with three quick wickets and reducing them to 83/4.
Despite the collapse, middle-order contributions from Sean Williams (23), Sikandar Raza (39), and Brian Bennett (20) kept Zimbabwe afloat. A late 48-run cameo by Richard Ngarava bolstered the total to 205, a competitive score on a placid surface.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early as Blessing Muzarabani struck twice in the first five overs, dismissing openers Saim Ayub (11) and Abdullah Shafique (1). Sean Williams compounded Pakistan’s troubles, claiming Kamran Ghulam (17) with a sharp delivery.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan attempted to stabilize the innings, partnering with Agha Salman. However, Zimbabwe’s experienced spinner Sikandar Raza proved decisive, trapping Salman leg-before with a full-length delivery and clean-bowling debutant Haseebullah Khan to leave Pakistan reeling at 49/5.
The collapse continued as Williams removed Irfan Khan, reducing Pakistan to 58/6. With Rizwan standing as the lone resistance, rain intervened, halting play and sealing Zimbabwe’s 80-run victory under the DLS method.
The defeat comes as a setback for Pakistan, who entered the series with high spirits after their historic success in Australia. Despite the favorable surface, the visitors struggled to maintain the momentum they had recently gained, facing a disciplined performance by the Zimbabwean bowlers and fielders.