Pakistan's debutant Abrar Ahmed made an impressive mark in the second ODI of the three-match series, as the visitors bowled out Zimbabwe for a modest 145 runs at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.
With this commanding performance, Pakistan kept their hopes alive in the series, which Zimbabwe currently lead 1-0.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan's bowlers put on a clinical display, with Abrar leading the charge. The 25-year-old spinner recorded remarkable figures of 4/33, spinning a web around the Zimbabwean batting line-up. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack limited Zimbabwe to just 145 runs before they were dismissed in the 33rd over.
Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a shaky start, with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Joylord Gumbie falling cheaply for scores of 4 and 5, respectively. Their early departures left Zimbabwe reeling at 9/2, and the pressure continued to mount on the hosts.
Dion Myers and captain Craig Ervine briefly steadied the ship, combining for a 38-run partnership. Myers, the more aggressive of the two, top-scored for Zimbabwe with 33 runs off 30 balls, including six boundaries. However, his departure in the 13th over, trapped by Salman Ali Agha, signaled the beginning of a middle-order collapse.
Agha's twin strikes in quick succession, dismissing Ervine and Sikandar Raza, left Zimbabwe struggling at 97/5 in the 20.2 over. Experienced all-rounder Sean Williams provided some resistance with a cautious 31 runs from 39 balls, but once he was dismissed in the 26th over, Zimbabwe's innings fell apart. Despite a brief 11-run cameo from Blessing Muzarabani, the hosts could only manage to add 24 more runs before being bowled out for 145.
For Pakistan, it was a collective bowling effort, with Abrar's outstanding debut performance taking the headlines. Agha also played a key role, claiming three wickets, while Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket each. Pakistan's bowling attack displayed discipline and control throughout the innings, restricting Zimbabwe's progress at every turn.
With Zimbabwe leading the series 1-0 following their rain-affected win in the first ODI on Sunday, Pakistan will need to chase down the modest target in the second innings to level the series and keep the contest alive.
Brief scores:
Zimbabwe: 145 all out (32.5 overs)
Top scorer: Dion Myers 33 (30 balls)
Pakistan Bowling: Abrar Ahmed 4/33, Salman Ali Agha 3/34, Faisal Akram 1/17, Saim Ayub 1/28
