Pakistan Shaheens showcased an impressive performance, led by half-centuries from Haseebullah, Imran Butt, and Omair Bin Yousuf, along with excellent contributions from Qasim Akram and Shahnawaz Dahani, as they defeated Zimbabwe Select by a commanding 177 runs in the fifth one-day match of the series at Harare Sports Club in Harare.
With this victory, Shaheens registered their second win in the one-day series, closing the gap as the hosts maintain a 3-2 lead. The final match of the series is set to take place at the same venue on Saturday, 27 May.
Chasing a challenging target of 315 runs, the hosts never appeared to be in contention as they lost wickets at regular intervals, eventually being dismissed for 137 runs in just 31.4 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Clive Madande was the lone standout performer for Zimbabwe Select, remaining unbeaten on 41 off 46 deliveries, including five boundaries.
The Shaheens’ bowling attack dominated the proceedings, with right-arm fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani and right-arm off-spinner Qasim Akram both claiming three wickets each. Left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz also made a significant contribution, taking two wickets for 36 runs from his seven overs.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, the Shaheens posted an impressive total of 314 for six in their allotted 50 overs. Making three changes to their lineup for the must-win game, the Shaheens got off to an excellent start with openers Imran Butt (64 off 65 balls, including seven boundaries and a six) and Haseebullah (62 off 77 balls, including nine boundaries) forging a formidable 139-run partnership. Following the departure of Haseebullah and Imran in the 24th over, Omair Bin Yousuf and Rohail Nazir added a solid 55-run stand for the third wicket.
However, the Shaheens faced a minor setback when Rohail (16 off 24 balls) was dismissed, leading to the loss of three quick wickets for just 32 runs. At 250 for six in 42.3 overs, the Shaheens found themselves in a challenging situation. Nevertheless, Omair, who continued his impressive form with an unbeaten 89 off 87 deliveries, and Aamir Jamal joined forces and resurrected the innings with an unbroken 64-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
Omair’s magnificent knock, coupled with his earlier centuries and a half-century on the tour, earned him the well-deserved player of the match award. Aamir played a vital cameo, contributing an unbeaten 24 off 18 balls, including two fours and a six.
I don't play for crnturies, I play to win for my team: @omairbinyousuf pic.twitter.com/kJTrx6aZgW
— MediaSpring PK (@MediaSpringPk) May 25, 2023
For Zimbabwe Select, Brandon Mavuta stood out with the ball, claiming two wickets for 39 runs from his eight overs.
In summary, Pakistan Shaheens’ dominant display ensured a convincing victory, keeping the series alive as they look forward to the final match. The Shaheens’ commanding performance in all aspects of the game sets the stage for an exciting finale as both teams strive to clinch the series title.
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