ZIM vs PAK: Kamran Ghulam hits maiden half-century as Pakistan post 303/6 in series decider

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Pakistan delivered a well-rounded batting display to post an imposing 303/6 in the series-deciding ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare. Kamran Ghulam was the star of the show, crafting a scintillating maiden ODI century that formed the backbone of Pakistan's innings.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan started steadily, with Saim Ayub (31) and Abdullah Shafique putting together a 58-run partnership for the first wicket. Ayub showed glimpses of aggression but fell to Faraz Akram while attempting a big shot.

Shafique, however, played with maturity, anchoring the innings with a composed half-century before being trapped LBW by Sikandar Raza. His 50 off 68 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six, gave Pakistan a solid platform at 113/2.

Kamran Ghulam then stepped up to consolidate the innings alongside skipper Mohammad Rizwan. Ghulam displayed impressive shot selection, combining crisp drives and well-placed cuts to keep the scoreboard ticking. His maiden ODI fifty came off 60 balls, marked by a sublime pull shot. Rizwan contributed a steady 37, adding 79 runs for the third wicket with Ghulam before falling to Raza.

As wickets fell at the other end, Ghulam took charge, accelerating the innings in the latter stages. His century, reached off 97 balls, included 12 boundaries and a six, showcasing his class and temperament. The 27-year-old's milestone knock ended when he miscued a slower ball from Richard Ngarava, caught at sweeper cover for 103.

The middle-order, led by Salman Agha (30) and Tayyab Tahir (29* off 14), ensured Pakistan finished strongly. Agha's attacking cameo included a towering six over long-on, while Tahir unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the final overs, capitalising on Ngarava's erratic death bowling. Aamer Jamal also chipped in with five crucial runs, including a boundary in the final over, as Pakistan plundered 14 runs off the last six balls.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani (2/56) and Ngarava (2/65) were the pick of the bowlers, but they lacked consistency in the death overs. Faraz Akram (1/44) and Sikandar Raza (1/53) bowled tidy spells but struggled to contain Pakistan's late assault.

Set a challenging target of 304, Zimbabwe will need a top-notch batting display to chase down the total and claim the series victory.