Zimbabwe was so close yet so far as it was a fine effort from the tourists as they ran Pakistan hard. After winning the toss, Pakistan gave a target of 282 runs to Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Every Pakistan batsmen got starts but no one was able to convert their starts into a substantial innings.
Also Read: Haris Sohail hits a comeback 50 vs Zimbabwe
Opener Imam-ul-Haq scored 58 runs before he was run out and middle-order left-handed batsmen Haris Sohail top scored with 71 runs to his name. Captain Babar Azam was sent back to the dugout for a mere 19 but the late flourish from Imad Wasim helped Pakistan to cross the mark of 280 runs. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Chisoro got 2 wickets each.
Pakistan’s 7th successive ODI win!
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🇿🇼 ✅#PAKvZIM #HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/NpOLC4WY4U— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 30, 2020
In reply to Pakistan’s 282, Zimbabwe got off to a disappointing start as they lost both their openers inside the first 10 overs. But then, former captain Brendon Taylor and Craig Ervine consolidated the innings. Ervine got out on 42 when he tried to reverse sweep Imad Wasim. After 2 quick wickets, Pakistan got their nose back in front but Brendon Taylor and Wesley Madhevere had other plans. Both kept on attacking the Pakistan attack and in that process, Taylor brought his 11th ODI hundred.
Zimbabwe were favorites to win the game but exceptional death bowling from Wahab Riaz and Shaheen Afridi made sure that nothing unusual happens.
The combined duo got 9 wickets where Shaheen got 5-49 and Wahab got 4 wickets. The game of fine margins which had great uncertainty to it went right down to the wire & was eventually won by Pakistan by 26 runs as Zimbabwe was bowled out for 255. Pakistan goes 1-0 up in the 3 match series and the second ODI of the series is to be played on 1st November 2020 at the same venue.
