ASHLEY DUBE
BULAWAYO – Pakistan secured a comprehensive 2-1 ODI series win over Zimbabwe, courtesy of a dominant 99-run victory at Bulawayo's Queens Sports Club. Pakistan's total of 303, driven by Kamran Ghoulam's maiden ODI century and contributions from captain Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique, proved too much for the hosts.
Zimbabwe's batting faltered again, mirroring the series trend of collapses. They were bundled out for 204, with only Craig Ervine (51) reaching a half-century.
Early wickets, including Joylord Gumbie and Dion Myers falling cheaply, left Zimbabwe struggling from the outset. Tadiwanashe Marumani also failed to capitalize on a promising start.
While Brian Bennett added a quickfire 37, the Zimbabwean innings lacked the sufficient consistency and composure to challenge the Pakistani total.
The Zimbabwean top order consistently failed to provide solid starts throughout the series, with several batsmen, including Myers, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams (who reached a personal feat of 5,000 ODI runs), falling while attempting aggressive shots.
This lack of batting depth beyond the experienced core of Raza, Williams, and Ervine remains a concern.
Zimbabwe's bowling performed relatively better, but a lack of depth in pace bowling remains evident, particularly in the performances of Trevor Gwandu and Faraz Akram.
The three-match T20I series against Pakistan commences at Queens Sports Club on December 1.
0 Comments