By TN Media News
Saim Ayub’s Stunning Century Powers Pakistan:
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe — Pakistan’s Saim Ayub delivered a spectacular performance to lead the Green Shirts to a commanding 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday. This win leveled the three-match series 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting decider on Thursday at the same venue.
Chasing a modest target of 146 runs, Pakistan’s openers comfortably reached the total without losing a wicket. Saim Ayub was the star, smashing his maiden ODI century in just 53 balls — the third-fastest in Pakistan’s history, behind only Shahid Afridi’s iconic innings.
The 21-year-old left-hander remained unbeaten on 113 off 62 balls. His innings included 20 boundaries, with three sixes. Opening partner Abdullah Shafique supported well with an unbeaten 32.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Collapse:
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first. However, their innings struggled from the start. Early wickets fell cheaply as openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Joylord Gumbie (5) departed with the score at 16/2.
A brief 38-run partnership between Dion Myers and captain Craig Ervine helped stabilize the innings. But the momentum was halted by Salman Ali Agha, who triggered a collapse in the middle overs.
Myers top-scored with an aggressive 33 off 30 balls, hitting six boundaries. Despite his effort, Ervine (17) and Sikandar Raza (11) failed to build on the platform. Sean Williams contributed a cautious 31 before being dismissed in the 26th over.
Zimbabwe’s lower order crumbled, and the team was bowled out for 145 in 32.5 overs. Blessing Muzarabani’s 11-run cameo was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing innings.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Dominate:
Pakistan’s bowling attack performed excellently. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed led with 4 wickets for 32 runs. Salman Ali Agha supported strongly, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs and dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle order.
Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub also chipped in with one wicket each, helping Pakistan maintain control throughout the innings.
Series Decider Awaits:
With the series tied 1-1, the final ODI on Thursday promises a thrilling contest. Pakistan will aim to capitalize on Ayub’s form and the bowlers’ dominance. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe looks to regroup and mount a strong comeback.
Squads:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir.
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Trevor Gwandu.
Saim Ayub’s record-breaking century and Pakistan’s all-round performance have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to this closely fought series.
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