Pakistan’s Saim Ayub delivered a stunning performance to lead the Green Shirts to an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Tuesday. The win leveled the three-match series 1-1, setting up an exciting decider on Thursday at the same venue.
Chasing a modest target of 146, Pakistan’s openers made light work of the task, reaching the total without losing a wicket and with a staggering 190 balls to spare. Saim Ayub was the star of the show, smashing a maiden ODI century in just 53 balls — the third-fastest in Pakistan’s history, trailing only Shahid Afridi’s iconic knocks.
The 21-year-old left-hander dazzled with an unbeaten 113 off 62 deliveries, hammering 20 boundaries, including three sixes. His sublime stroke play overshadowed his opening partner Abdullah Shafique, who provided steady support with an unbeaten 32.
Zimbabwe Struggles to Build Momentum: Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings faltered early. Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Joylord Gumbie (5) fell cheaply, leaving the hosts struggling at 16/2. A brief partnership between Dion Myers and captain Craig Ervine added 38 runs before Salman Ali Agha triggered a collapse.
Myers top-scored for Zimbabwe with an aggressive 33 off 30 balls, including six boundaries, but his dismissal in the 13th over proved costly. Ervine (17) and Sikandar Raza (11) were unable to steady the innings, while experienced all-rounder Sean Williams contributed a cautious 31 before falling in the 26th over.
Zimbabwe’s lower order offered little resistance, with the team bowled out for just 145 in 32.5 overs. Blessing Muzarabani’s brief 11-run cameo provided the only spark in a disappointing finish.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Shine: Pakistan’s bowlers were in top form, with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed leading the charge with figures of 4/32. Salman Ali Agha played a key supporting role, taking 3/23 and dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle order. Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket apiece, ensuring a clinical all-round performance.
Decider Looms: The comprehensive victory has set up a high-stakes final match in the series, with both teams eager to clinch the trophy. Pakistan will look to build on the momentum provided by Ayub’s heroics and their bowlers’ dominance, while Zimbabwe will aim to regroup and bounce back.
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, and 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, and Trevor Gwandu.
With Saim Ayub’s record-breaking knock and Pakistan’s bowlers in fine form, the series decider promises to be an enthralling contest for cricket fans worldwide.
