Harare : Zimbabwe Select displayed a stunning performance as they defeated Pakistan Shaheens by a margin of 24 runs in the thrilling opening match of their six-match one-day series. The action unfolded at the renowned Harare Sports Club in Harare on Wednesday.
The defeat marked the first setback for Pakistan Shaheens during their tour, following back-to-back victories in the four-day matches.
After being asked to bat first by Pakistan Shaheens captain Imran Butt, the Zimbabwe Select faced early challenges, finding themselves at 64 for five in 13.2 overs, owing to the excellent display by fast bowlers Aamir Jamal, Mir Hamza, and Shahnawaz Dahani. However, a remarkable partnership between Ryan Burl and Clive Madande revived the innings, adding a vital 90 runs for the sixth wicket. Burl’s impressive knock of 69 runs off 68 deliveries, including six boundaries and two sixes, accompanied by Madande’s contribution of 34 runs off 55 balls, lifted Zimbabwe Select to a respectable total of 234 before the team was eventually bowled out.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Aamir, the right-arm fast bowler, showcased his brilliance by claiming a career-best four wickets for just 35 runs in his eight overs. Left-arm pacer Hamza secured three crucial wickets for 37 runs in his 10 overs, while Dahani took two wickets for 42 runs in 7.3 overs.
During the run chase, Pakistan Shaheens faced a challenging start, losing three wickets for a mere 29 runs in the seventh over, courtesy of Tendai Chatara’s right-arm fast bowling prowess that dismissed Imran (6 runs off 15 balls, including one boundary), Saim Ayub (8 runs off 9 balls, including one boundary), and Mohammad Huraira (3 runs off 10 balls).
Vice-captain Hussain Talat and Kamran Ghulam joined forces, building a crucial 48-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which took the score to 77 before Hussain (29 runs off 25 balls, including four boundaries and one six) fell victim to Wellington Masakadza. Kamran (42 runs off 64 balls, including five boundaries) followed suit, leaving Pakistan Shaheens struggling at 106 for five in 23.2 overs.
At a critical juncture in the match, Haseebullah and Mubasir Khan formed a resilient alliance, stitching together a valuable 60-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Wicketkeeper-batsman Haseebullah, who had previously struck a century in the second four-day match, contributed 45 runs off 63 deliveries, featuring five boundaries. However, the departure of Mubasir (49 runs off 68 balls, including five boundaries) in the 46th over sealed the fate of Pakistan Shaheens, as they were eventually bowled out for 210 in the 47th over.
Tendai Chatara emerged as the standout bowler for Zimbabwe Select, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul for 37 runs from nine overs. Left-arm spinner Masakadza also made notable contributions, securing three wickets for the winning team.
Both teams will clash again in the second one-day match at the same venue on 19 May.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe Select defeats Pakistan Shaheens by 24 runs
Zimbabwe Select: 234 all out in 45.3 overs (Ryan Burl 69, Clive Madande 34; Aamir Jamal 4-35, Mir