Pakistan VS Zimbabwe ODI Series .1st Match
Played At Rawalpindi on 30 October 2020
Brief Scorecard:
Pakistan 281/8 in 50 Overs (Harris Sohail 71, Imam-Ul Haq 58, Imad Wasim 34*, Faheem Ashraf 23, TS Chisoro 2/31, S. Muzarabani 2/33) beat Zimbabwe 255 All Out in 49.4 Overs (BRM Taylor 112, W Madhevere 55, CR Ervine 41, Shaheen Shah Afridi 5/49, Wahab Riaz 4/41) by 26 Runs

New look Zimbabwe playing like a rejuvenated unit challenged strong Pakistan all the way in the first match of their ODI series yesterday. A bit more luck and a bit more skill of playing fast bowling could have earned them a deserving win. Chasing a challenging score of 281/8 Zimbabwe looked almost cruising at 5/234 in the 46th over. But a final burst of two Pakistan speedsters experienced Wahab Riaz and Young Shaheen Shah Afridi rescued Pakistan from humiliation. Zimababwe collapsed from 5/234 to 255 all out. Pakistan survived the scare winning by 26 runs. BRM Taylor for his superb 112 deservedly won the player of the match award.

Zimbabwe played their first match during the COVID 19 pandemic. Pakistan had a long test and T20 series against England in England.  We think even in this loss Zimbabweans can take lots of positives. 

Pakistan opting to bat after winning the toss, did not find at all easy batting against a very determined unit. Abid Ali (21) opening the Innings with Imamul Huq fell to Mumba early. Flamboyant Babar Azam (19) also could not spread his wings. Zimababwe could be in the driver's seat had not Taylor drop Haris Sohail early in his innings. Imamul Haq (58) and Harris (71) struggled in their mission resurrection till Imam ran himself out in a terrible mess. Both Imam and Harris were stranded at the strikers end from a miss call requiring photo finish for the third umpire to decide. Good bowling and sharp fielding by the tourists kept Pakistan wicket tumbling at regular interval. Apart from Harris (71), Imad Wasim (34*), Faheem Ashraf (23) made some contributions. Slow left arm orthodox spinner Chisoro (2/ 31) and Right Arm Medium pacer Blessing Muzarabani (2/33) restricted Pakistan to a manageable 281/8 in their allotted overs.

World cricket knows about strong Pakistan bowling attack. Major teams like England, Australia struggles batting against Pakistan attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi bowling at pace struck two early blows removing Zimbabwean openers B Chari (2) and Chibanda (13) in his first spell. At 2/28 by the 5th over many thought Zimbabwe will capitulate early. But Ervine (41) and Taylor (112) withstood Pakistan attack well adding 71 for the 3rd wicket till Ervine fell to Imad Wasim.  Unfortunately, Williams could not stay longer with Taylor. But Taylor found a good allay in Madhevere (55). These two batting with guts added 119 for the 5th wicket almost setting their team to what could be a brilliant win. But Shaheen and Wahab Riaz back in their last spell striking repeated blows. Madhevere fell to Wahab Riaz scoring 55 and Shaheen picked up Taylor for a very well made 112. Zimbabwe got bundled out for 255. Shaheen had yet another 5 wickets haul taking 5/49 and Wahab took 4/41. 

Pakistan won by 26 runs. Zimababwe was not at all humiliated. They went down fighting. Another day another place they could turn the table on favorite Pakistan.

BDST: 1131 HRS, OCT 31, 2020
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