Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Highlights 3rd ODI: Pakistan won by 99 runs in the third and decisive ODI played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on November 28 -- Thursday.

Pakistan secured a 99-run victory in the third ODI against Zimbabwe, sealing the series 2-1. Pakistan posted 303/6, with Kamran Ghulam's maiden ODI century (103) and Abdullah Shafique's 50 leading the way.
Zimbabwe's chase faltered, despite Craig Ervine's 51 and a cameo from Richard Bennett (37), as they were bowled out for 204 in 40.1 overs. Haris Rauf and Agha Salman took key wickets, while Pakistan's bowlers dominated. The victory marked Pakistan's second consecutive series win, following their triumph in Australia earlier this month.
Zimbabwe managed to cross the 100-run mark, but Pakistan kept the pressure on with disciplined bowling. Haris Rauf struck a key blow by dismissing Sean Williams for 24, while Craig Ervine fought hard with a fluent 40. Sikandar Raza joined Ervine and showed intent but was kept in check by tight spells from Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram.
Zimbabwe 107/4 in 22 over (Target 304) Craig Ervine 41* Sikandar Raza 9*
Zimbabwe's recovery effort is led by Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, who have brought some stability after early setbacks. Ervine is timing the ball well, while Williams countered with a stunning slog-swept six off Abrar Ahmed.
Despite some tight bowling by Pakistan, the duo has kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and boundaries. Abrar Ahmed's deceptive spin and Salman Agha's tidy spells pose challenges, but the partnership seems intent on steadying the innings.
Zimbabwe 75/3 in 14 over (Target 304) Craig Ervine 24* Sean Williams 18*
Saim Ayub strikes twice in the third over. First, Dion Myers is dismissed for 4 as he attempts a sweep but hits it straight to Faisal Akram at deep backward square, where he takes a simple catch. Then, Craig Ervine, the new batter, finds the boundary with a crisp shot to third man
Zimbabwe 14/2 in 3 over (Target 304) Tadiwanashe Marumani 1* Craig Ervine 4*
OUT! Pakistan employs spin from both ends early in Zimbabwe's chase. Saim Ayub strikes in the second over, dismissing Joylord Gumbie for 5. Gumbie attempts to pull a half-tracker but doesn't keep it down, and Tayyab Tahir takes a diving catch at mid-wicket.
The third umpire confirms the catch as clean after reviewing the replay. Dion Myers is the new batter at the crease, facing Ayub's spin
Zimbabwe 10/1 in 2.3 over (Target 304) Tadiwanashe Marumani 1* Dion Myers 4*
Zimbabwe's chase begins with Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani at the crease. Part-time spinner Saim Ayub starts the bowling attack for Pakistan, and Gumbie opens with a boundary to fine leg off the last ball of the over.
Ayub maintains tight lines throughout, testing Gumbie with some sharp turn and close calls outside the off-stump, but the over ends with Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe 4/0 in 1 over (Target 304)Joylord Gumbie 4* Tadiwanashe Marumani 0*
Kamran Ghulam's maiden ODI half-century steered Pakistan to a commanding 303/6 in the series decider against Zimbabwe. Opening contributions from Abdullah Shafique (50) and Saim Ayub (31) set a solid foundation, while Ghulam's brilliant 103 off 97 balls, complemented by Salman Agha's 30, propelled Pakistan towards a competitive total.
Tayyab Tahir added late fireworks, smashing 29* off 14 balls, while Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani (2/56) and Richard Ngarava (2/65) claimed crucial wickets. With 14 runs off the final over, Pakistan set Zimbabwe a challenging target of 304, promising an intense second innings in this high-stakes encounter.
Pakistan reaches a 300-plus target as they finish their innings at 303-6. In the final overs, Tayyab Tahir and Aamer Jamal keep the runs flowing, with Tahir hitting a boundary off Richard Ngarava's no-ball.
Muzarabani claims the key wicket of Irfan Khan, caught by Williams at long-on after an attempted big shot. Aamer Jamal contributes with a boundary off Ngarava's last over. The innings ends with 14 runs off the final six balls, setting Zimbabwe a target of 304 to win.
PAK 303/6 in 50 overs Tayyab Tahir 29* Aamer Jamal 5*
Salman Agha's quick-fire innings ends in the 47th over as he is caught at mid-off by Brian Bennett off Richard Ngarava. Agha's attempted cross-batted shot off a short delivery gets a top edge, bringing his knock of 30 runs to a close.
Tayyab Tahir continues his aggressive play, following up with a boundary that clears backward point off a slower ball. Irfan Khan Niazi joins him at the crease and gets off the mark with a single
PAK 281/5 in 48.1 overs Tayyab Tahir 18* Irfan Khan 1*
Pakistan's momentum surges in the 46th over, with Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir adding valuable runs. Agha dominates with a series of boundaries, including a powerful six over long-on off Faraz Akram's length delivery.
He also takes advantage of a full toss, scoring a boundary over backward square leg. A no-ball and wides from Akram add to the pressure, gifting Pakistan extra runs. Tahir also contributes with a boundary through a reverse paddle, further piling on the runs.
PAK 271/4 in 47 overs Salman Ali Agha 29* Tayyab Tahir 12*
Kamran Ghulam's superb century comes to an end as he is caught by Madande off Richard Ngarava's slower ball. Ghulam, having just reached his milestone, went for a big shot, but the ball found its way to Madande at sweeper cover after a slight miscue.
The dismissal marks the end of a brilliant 103-run knock from Ghulam, who had been in fantastic form. This wicket provides Zimbabwe with an important breakthrough at a crucial moment in the game.
PAK 234/4 in 45 overs Salman Ali Agha 8* Tayyab Tahir 2*

Kamran Ghulam reaches his maiden ODI century, continuing his stellar run after a successful Test debut. The knock is a testament to his growing stature, having made his mark in both formats within a short span.
His century came off 97 balls, marked with a powerful four and a Sajda celebration in gratitude. His partnership with Salman Agha is crucial as it moves Pak towards big total. Ghulam's recent form has been outstanding, adding a significant milestone to an already impressive month.
PAK 230/3 in 44 overs Kamran Ghulam 102* Salman Agha 8*
Kamran Ghulam continues to impress, reaching the cusp of a well-deserved century with powerful cuts and drives. His attacking mindset has kept Pakistan ticking over, and his partnership with Salman Agha has provided stability despite the loss of Rizwan, who was dismissed for 37.
Sikandar Raza's quick return to the attack brought the wicket of Rizwan but struggled to contain Ghulam. Faraz Akram, though he bowled tight spells, couldn't break the momentum as Pakistan move past 200 while we enter the last 10 overs
PAK 214/3 in 42 overs Kamran Ghulam 93* Salman Agha 4*
Kamran Ghulam's aggressive approach is evident as he continues to accelerate, hammering a well-timed boundary off Faraz Akram. He's becoming more dominant at the crease, finding gaps and rotating the strike efficiently.
Rizwan is playing a patient supporting role, helping maintain a steady flow of runs. Meanwhile, Faraz Akram is keeping it tight, mixing up his lengths, though struggling to break the partnership.
PAK 186/2 in 38 overs Kamran Ghulam 81* Mohammad Rizwan 23*
Pakistan race to 150 as Kamran Ghulam accelerates the scoring with a stunning 17-run over. He smashes two sixes and a boundary, taking full advantage of the over-pitched deliveries.
His half-century comes up in style, and alongside Mohammad Rizwan, the duo brings up a solid 50-run partnership. Ghulam has shifted gears brilliantly, pushing the run rate higher as Pakistan looks to build a formidable total.
PAK 171/2 in 34.3 overs Kamran Ghulam 68* Mohammad Rizwan 21*
Kamran Ghulam brings up his maiden ODI fifty with a stylish pull shot to square leg off Sean Williams. He has been solid throughout, playing with a good mix of caution and aggression, looking to accelerate the innings.
His timing and placement have been impressive, especially his drive to sweeper cover earlier. Ghulam's knock has been a key stabilizer for Pakistan as he now looks to push the tempo further with Rizwan providing steady support.
PAK 142/2 in 31 overs Kamran Ghulam 51* Mohammad Rizwan 15*
Kamran Ghulam takes a couple of calculated risks, dancing out to the spinner and getting a couple of boundaries. A solid slog over deep mid-wicket for six shows his increasing confidence.
Mohammad Rizwan is more measured, content to rotate the strike with singles and a well-placed cut to deep cover. Both batters continue to consolidate, with Ghulam on the offensive and Rizwan focusing on building a steady partnership.
PAK 142/2 in 31 overs Kamran Ghulam 46* Mohammad Rizwan 14*
Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan are doing the rebuilding task again while the run rate dips again. Ghulam, who is on 35 off 45 balls, must take the brunt of scoring quicker while while newly-in Rizwan is on 11 from 18.
Rizwan, however, showed intent early on as he played a delightful ramp shot for four off Sikandar Raza, while Ghulam has been rotating the strike efficiently. However, both batters are yet to fully accelerate as the Zimbabwean bowlers maintain tight lines.
PAK 128/2 in 28 overs Kamran Ghulam 35* Mohammad Rizwan 11*
Abdullah Shafique's promising innings came to an end just after reaching his half-century. He was dismissed LBW by Sikandar Raza, with the ball spinning in and trapping him in front as he attempted a sweep shot.
A solid knock of 50 runs from 68 balls with 5 fours and a six, but he couldn't capitalize further as Pakistan lost their second wicket at 112 while skipper Mohammad Rizwan walks in
PAK 113/2 in 24.4 overs Kamran Ghulam 32* Mohammad Rizwan 0*
The partnership between Kamran Ghulam and Abdullah Shafique continues to grow, with Ghulam finding some rhythm after a solid cut for four. The duo has kept Pakistan's chase ticking along, combining patience with occasional aggression. The pair brings up a crucial 100-run mark with both batters looking solid.
PAK 100/1 in 22 overs Abdullah Shafique 44* Kamran Ghulam 25*
The partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Kamran Ghulam steadied Pakistan's innings after the first wicket fell. Ghulam showed intent with a powerful pull for six off Sean Williams in the 18th over, breaking the shackles of a tight spell.
Shafique, meanwhile, continued to anchor the innings with calculated singles and an elegant lofted boundary earlier off Faraz Akram. The duo has looked comfortable, balancing aggression with caution to keep the scoreboard ticking.
PAK 85/1 in 18 overs Abdullah Shafique 39* Kamran Ghulam 15*
OUT! Faraz Akram breaks the opening partnership as Saim Ayub departs for 31, caught by Madande at deep square leg. Ayub looked to clear the boundary but mistimed his shot, bringing the promising 58-run stand to an end.
Pakistan's steady start now relies on Abdullah Shafique, joined by new batter Kamran Ghulam. Zimbabwe will aim to build on this breakthrough.
PAK 64/1 in 14 overs Abdullah Shafique 31* Kamran Ghulam 2*
The opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub brought up a solid 50-run stand in the 11th over, showcasing their steady approach against Zimbabwe's bowlers, who have gone multiple changes from both ends.
While Shafique displayed crisp timing, including a stylish boundary off Sikandar Raza earlier, Ayub has rotated the strike effectively. Faraz Akram's tidy introduction ensured no freebies, but Pakistan's openers remain composed as they build a strong foundation.
PAK 51/0 in 11 overs Saim Ayub 25* Abdullah Shafique 26*
Saim Ayub turned up the heat in the 8th over with a commanding six and a well-timed pull for four, showcasing his ability to punish short deliveries. Abdullah Shafique joined the act earlier, smashing a massive pull off Blessing Muzarabani in the 7th over.
Richard Ngarava has bowled a steady spell with figures of 4-0-20-0 but will need tighter lines to stem the growing confidence of the Pakistan openers.
PAK 39/0 in 8 overs Saim Ayub 22* Abdullah Shafique 17*
Blessing Muzarabani's latest over brought a delightful straight drive from Shafique for four, showing his class. The duo is steadily building a foundation, rotating the strike where possible. Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava have kept things tight so far, with disciplined lines restricting boundaries. A patient start for Pakistan as they look to capitalize later.
PAK 17/0 in 5 overs Saim Ayub 10* Abdullah Shafique 7*
The action is already underway with Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub starting Pakistan innings in the decider after skipper Mohammad Rizwan opted to bat first after winning the toss
PAK 9/0 in 3 overs Saim Ayub 9* Abdullah Shafique 0*
The stage is set for a thrilling finale as Zimbabwe and Pakistan lock horns in the third and deciding ODI at Bulawayo. With the series tied 1-1, both teams will be eager to clinch the decider and take home bragging rights.
The Chevrons have an opportunity to rewrite history by securing their first-ever ODI series win against Pakistan, while the visitors aim to maintain dominance and build momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan comes into this game with their confidence bolstered after a resounding 10-wicket victory in the second ODI. Saim Ayub was the star with a scintillating maiden century, while debutant Abrar Ahmed's spin wizardry dismantled Zimbabwe's batting lineup. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan will hope his team can replicate that performance, especially with spinners like Agha Salman and Abrar proving to be game-changers in the series so far. Pakistan has opted to bat first, banking on the same combination that delivered in the previous match.
For Zimbabwe, this decider is more than just a game-it's a chance to cement their place as a rising force in international cricket. Led by Craig Ervine, the hosts will need big performances from veterans Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza to counter Pakistan's potent bowling attack. The home side's primary challenge lies in tackling spin, which has been their Achilles' heel throughout the series. A disciplined approach against Abrar and Salman could tip the scales in their favor.
The Bulawayo pitch promises an exciting contest. With no moisture and plenty of sun baking the surface, spinners are expected to thrive, making shot-making a challenging task. The batters will need to focus on building partnerships and rotating strike. Zimbabwe's decision to introduce changes in their XI suggests they're looking to add depth to their lineup in pursuit of a historic series victory.
As the teams gear up for this crucial encounter, fans can expect a nail-biting clash with the series on the line. Will Pakistan's young talents rise again, or can Zimbabwe script an unforgettable upset? Stay tuned for live updates as the drama unfolds in Bulawayo!