Zimbabwe Defeats Pakistan by 80 Runs via DLS Method in 1st ODI

Zimbabwe secured a remarkable victory against Pakistan by 80 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the first One Day International (ODI) of their series held in Bulawayo on November 24, 2024. The match, held at the Queen’s Sports Club, was affected by rain but ensured a conclusive win for the host nation.

The Zimbabwean team, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a score of 205 runs with Richard Ngarava top-scoring with 48 and Sikandar Raza contributing 39. Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by debutant Faisal Akram and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, attempted to restrict the hosts but found themselves outmaneuvered. Faisal Akram ended with figures of 3-24, while Salman took 3-42 as Pakistan held Zimbabwe at 125 for 7 before Raza and Ngarava built a pivotal 62-run eighth-wicket partnership.

In response, Pakistan struggled from the outset in challenging, overcast conditions. Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani utilized the conditions to his advantage, removing Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique early in the innings. Ayub scored 11 runs, while Shafique managed only 1. Pakistan’s middle order faltered further with the loss of Kamran Ghulam and Haseebullah Khan succumbing to the spin trio spearheaded by Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza. Williams claimed 2-12 and Raza rounded off with figures of 2-7.

Mohammad Rizwan, leading a relatively inexperienced side due to the absence of regular stars such as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, ended the innings not out on 19. Despite his efforts, Pakistan’s response wavered at just 60 for 6 when rain halted play before the 22nd over, thereby handing Zimbabwe the victory under DLS regulations.

The match was the first of a three-match ODI series, with all games scheduled to be played in Bulawayo. Following the series, the teams are slated to compete in a T20 series, also set in the Zimbabwean city.