After a shocking loss in the first ODI, Pakistan bounced back to claim the series with a dominant 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI in Bulawayo. Kamran Ghulam’s scintillating 103 off 99 balls set the platform for Pakistan’s commanding total of 303/6, which proved too much for the hosts, bowled out for 204 in 40.1 overs.

Opting to bat, Pakistan started strongly with a 58-run opening stand. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique played positively in the PowerPlay, hitting regular boundaries. Ayub fell for 33, picking out the deep square leg fielder off Faraz Akram. Shafique, who scored a steady 50 off 66 balls, shared a half-century stand with Ghulam before being trapped lbw by Sikandar Raza.

Ghulam anchored the innings superbly, reaching his maiden ODI century with a mix of aggression and composure. His partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (45) added 89 runs, accelerating Pakistan’s innings. Contributions from Agha Salman (30 off 26) and Tayyab Tahir (29* off 16) propelled Pakistan to 303, with 102 runs coming in the last 10 overs.

Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a shaky start as Saim Ayub dismissed Joylord Gumbie and Dion Myers in his first over. Despite a brisk 39-run stand between Craig Ervine and Tadiwanashe Marumani, the latter fell lbw to Abrar Ahmed. Ervine (51) continued to fight, but the dismissals of Sean Williams (27) and Sikandar Raza (24) in quick succession left Zimbabwe in tatters at 130/6.

Brian Bennett’s counter-attacking 37 injected some hope, but Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Aamer Jamal (2/19) and Abrar Ahmed (2/40), ensured there was no miraculous recovery. Ngarava (17) and Clive Madande (15) added some resistance before Zimbabwe were bowled out in the 41st over, handing Pakistan a comfortable series-clinching win.

Key Performances:

Kamran Ghulam: 103 (99 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes)

Abdullah Shafique: 50 (66 balls, 4 fours, 1 six)

Aamer Jamal: 2/19 in 5 overs

Craig Ervine: 51 (54 balls, 5 fours)

Brian Bennett: 37 (27 balls, 4 fours, 1 six)

Brief Scores:

Pakistan: 303/6 in 50 overs (Kamran Ghulam 103, Abdullah Shafique 50; Sikandar Raza 2/47)

Zimbabwe: 204 in 40.1 overs (Craig Ervine 51, Brian Bennett 37; Aamer Jamal 2/19)

Result: Pakistan won by 99 runs, clinching the series 2-1.