Pakistan win series decider against Zimbabwe by 99 runs

Kamran Ghulam's 103 off 99 balls guided Pakistan to a strong total of 303/6 in the 3rd ODI

Pakistan secured a commanding 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third and series-deciding One Day International (ODI) at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Chasing a challenging target of 304, Zimbabwe fell short, managing only 204 despite a valiant half-century from captain Craig Ervine.

The hosts got off to a rough start, losing two quick wickets to be reduced to 10/2 within the first three overs.

Ervine then stabilised the innings, forming a cautious 39-run partnership with Tadiwanashe Marumani, which was broken by Marumani's dismissal in the ninth over.

Ervine continued to hold the fort, adding 41 runs for the fourth wicket with Sean Williams before eventually being dismissed by Aamir Jamal in the 26th over.

Ervine top-scored for Zimbabwe with 51 off 63 balls, including five fours and a six.

Brian Bennett briefly resisted Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack, scoring 37 off 27 balls, but his efforts were insufficient to turn the tide in Zimbabwe’s favour.

For Pakistan, Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Aamir Jamal each claimed two wickets, while Kamran and Faisal Akram took one wicket each.

Earlier after winning toss, Pakistan set Zimbabwe a target of 304 runs. Kamran Ghulam scored a maiden ODI ton to help Pakistan post competitive target against Zimbabwe.

Kamran Ghulam (103 off 99 balls) smashed 10 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his aggression and timing. He was eventually dismissed in the 45th over by Richard Ngarava, caught by Madande at deep cover, bringing Pakistan to 232/4.

Saim Ayub (31 off 37 balls) was dismissed in the 13th over after he attempted to clear deep square leg but found Clive Madande at the boundary. His dismissal left Pakistan at 58/1.

Abdullah Shafique (50 off 68 balls) followed shortly, dismissed LBW by Sikandar Raza in the 24th over, bringing Pakistan to 112/2. Shafique's departure was a key moment as he had built a steady partnership with Kamran Ghulam.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan (37 off 47 balls) followed next, edging a catch to Dion Myers off the bowling of Raza in the 40th over, leaving Pakistan at 201/3. Rizwan struggled to get going and his dismissal halted Pakistan's momentum.

Salman Agha (30 off 26 balls) also fell after a quickfire knock, dismissed off a leading edge to Brian Bennett in the 48th over, reducing Pakistan to 273/5.

The tail wagged with Tayyab Tahir (29* off 16 balls) playing an explosive cameo, and Irfan Khan (3 off 5 balls) falling to Blessing Muzarabani in the 49th over.

Aamer Jamal (5* off 4 balls) remained unbeaten as Pakistan closed their innings at 303/6.

Sikandar Raza was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 47 runs in his 10 overs.

Richard Ngarava also claimed two wickets for 55 runs, while Blessing Muzarabani took one wicket for 66 runs.