In the first match of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs under the DLS method.
The match was played in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where the host team set a target of 206 runs for Pakistan to chase.
While chasing the target of 206, Pakistan’s batting line struggled, and six of its players were dismissed for just 60 runs. The match was halted after 21 overs due to rain, and due to persistent rain, the match had to be abandoned. Under the DLS method, Zimbabwe was declared the winner by 80 runs.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl. Pakistan’s Faisal Akram made his debut in this match.
Zimbabwe was bowled out for 205 runs in 40.2 overs. Faisal Akram and Salman Ali Agha, both debutants, took three wickets each. Haris Rauf took one wicket, while Abdullah Shafique ran out one batter. Additionally, Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Hasnain each took one wicket.
In pursuit of 206 runs, Pakistan had a disappointing start. Openers Saim Ayub (11) and Abdullah Shafique (1) were both dismissed early. Kamran Ghulam scored 17 runs, and Salman Agha was out for 4. Pakistan’s fifth wicket fell at 49 runs, with Hasibullah being dismissed for a duck. The sixth wicket fell at 58, when Irfan Khan was bowled out for 7 runs. After adding just 2 more runs, rain stopped play. Captain Mohammad Rizwan remained not out on 19 runs, with Aamir Jamal at the other end, who didn’t score any runs.
Pakistan’s final XI included Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasibullah, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Faisal Akram.