Kamran Ghulam’s Maiden ODI Century Powers Pakistan to 303/6, Clinching Series Victory
BULAWAYO: Kamran Ghulam’s stunning maiden ODI century propelled Pakistan to a commanding total of 303/6 in the third ODI against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Thursday, securing the series 2-1.
Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first, naming an unchanged side. Zimbabwe made two changes, bringing in Clive Madande and Faraz Akram in place of Trevor Gwandu and Brandon Mavuta.
Zimbabwe struck early with Faraz Akram dismissing Saim Ayub for just 10 runs in the 13th over, after the opener’s explosive century in the previous match. Despite this setback, Abdullah Shafique and Kamran Ghulam formed a solid partnership, adding 54 runs for the second wicket. However, Shafique fell for 50 off 68 balls to Sikandar Raza, leaving Pakistan at 112/2.
Rizwan joined Ghulam and together they added 89 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan made a valuable 37 off 47 balls before being dismissed by Raza. Kamran, now in full flow, accelerated and reached his maiden ODI century in fine style, finishing with a match-winning 103 runs from 99 balls, including ten boundaries and four sixes.
After Ghulam’s departure, Salman Ali Agha (30) and Tayyab Tahir (29*) added some quick runs to lift Pakistan’s total to 303/6 at the end of their 50 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava claimed two wickets each, while Blessing Muzarabani and Faraz Akram took one apiece.
The series had been level at 1-1 after Pakistan’s dominant ten-wicket victory in the second ODI, following Zimbabwe’s win in the opening match via the DLS method.
Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram.
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Tawandanashe Marumani, Clive Madande, Faraz Akram, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.
Match Summary: Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 99 runs to clinch the series 2-1. Kamran Ghulam’s brilliant knock of 103 runs off 99 balls was the highlight of the day, as Pakistan posted 303/6 and Zimbabwe fell short in their chase.
