In a gripping encounter at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe Select emerged victorious by 32 runs against Pakistan Shaheens in the sixth and final one-day match of the series. Despite Mubasir Khan’s heroic century, Zimbabwe’s commanding total proved too challenging for the Shaheens to overcome. With this win, the hosts secured a 4-2 series victory, having previously lost the four-dayers to the Pakistan Shaheens.
Chasing a formidable target of 386 runs for victory, the Shaheens faced an early setback, losing three wickets within the first 10 overs with only 50 runs on the board. Rohail Nazir and captain Kamran Ghulam then combined forces, forging a crucial 108-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Kamran’s attacking innings of 56 runs off 47 deliveries came to an end, but Rohail continued to anchor the innings.
Joined by Mubasir Khan, Rohail added another valuable 98 runs for the fifth wicket. Rohail’s well-crafted 87 runs off 91 balls came to a close in the 39th over when he fell victim to left-arm spinner Sean Williams. His innings included six fours and three sixes. Mubasir, on the other hand, displayed aggressive stroke play while maintaining the required run-rate. Unfortunately, he found himself running out of partners as the Shaheens ultimately fell short of the target by 32 runs. Mubasir’s exceptional knock of 115 runs off 77 balls featured six fours and eight sixes.
Sikandar Raza was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe Select, claiming three wickets for 66 runs in his 10 overs.
Earlier in the match, after being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe Select lost Joylord Gumbie off the second ball of the innings to Mohammad Ali’s right-arm pace. However, Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine then built a formidable partnership, adding 187 runs for the second wicket. Kaia contributed a valuable 92 runs off 79 deliveries before falling to Ali in the 28th over.
The left-handed Ervine showcased a sensational batting display, scoring an extraordinary 195 runs off 148 balls. His blistering innings included 22 fours and six sixes, propelling Zimbabwe Select to a mammoth total of 385 for seven in their allotted 50 overs.
Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Ali were the most successful bowlers for the Shaheens, claiming two wickets each. Aamir’s consistent performance throughout the series earned him the accolade of the best bowler of the series, having taken a total of 16 wickets.
Scores in brief:
Zimbabwe Select: 385-7 in 50 overs (Craig Ervine 195, Innocent Kaia 92; Mohammad Ali 2-32, Aamir Jamal 2-89)
Pakistan Shaheens: 353 all out in 49.2 overs (Mubasir Khan 115, Rohail Nazir 87, Kamran Ghulam 56, Haseebullah 35; Sikandar Raza 3-66, Luke Jongwe 2-54, Blessing Muzarabani 2-55, Tanaka Chivanga 2-73)
Player of the Match: Craig Ervine (Zimbabwe Select)
With an enthralling series now concluded, both teams can reflect on their performances and look forward to future encounters with renewed determination.
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