ZIM vs PAK: Pakistan Seal ODI Series 2-1, Win 3rd ODI 2-1 as Kamran Ghulam Stars with Century

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ZIM vs PAK: Pakistan sealed the series 2-1 with a comfortable 99-run win in the third ODI against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Kamran Ghulam starred in the win with a knock while the hosts faltered under the pressure of a big target.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable 303/6, powered by a brilliant 103 by Ghulam. Alongside Ghulam, Abdullah Shafique contributed a steady 50, as the pair shared a crucial partnership after Pakistan lost an early wicket.

Despite a few tight overs from Zimbabwe, the visitors managed to score heavily in the death overs, especially in the final five, where they plundered 69 runs to push their total beyond 300. Zimbabwe's chase never truly got going. Pakistan's bowlers were clinical, with Haris Rauf and Agha Salman leading the charge. Zimbabwe's top order struggled as wickets fell regularly.

Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani were dismissed early, with both trying to accelerate the scoring. Marumani, in particular, was unlucky to be given out leg before, but his short stay highlighted Zimbabwe's inability to build partnerships. Sean Williams briefly threatened with a couple of boundaries but fell victim to Rauf's extra pace, and Pakistan's grip on the game tightened further.

Craig Ervine, however, stood firm, scoring a fighting half-century. He found brief support from Richard Bennett, who played an aggressive cameo, scoring 37 off 27 balls. Ervine was eventually dismissed by Aamer Jamal, which opened the floodgates for Pakistan. Sikandar Raza was dismissed soon after, and the Zimbabwean resistance crumbled. Bennett's attacking strokeplay entertained the crowd, but it was a brief distraction as Pakistan's bowlers wrapped up the innings.

Faisal Akram and Rauf dismissed the last two Zimbabwean batsmen in consecutive balls, ensuring Pakistan's emphatic victory. Zimbabwe finished their innings at 204 in 40.1 overs, falling short by 99 runs. With this win, Pakistan clinched the ODI series 2-1, following a hard-fought contest and confirming their dominance in the final match. This victory also marks their second consecutive series win after their successful tour of Australia earlier this month.