Sikandar Raza’s stellar performance gave Zimbabwe an 80-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-shortened One-day International at Queens Sports Club.
Pakistan, chasing a manageable total of 206, saw their batting line-up crumble. After 21 overs, they were reeling at 60 for 6, and rain halted play, leading to Zimbabwe’s win by the Duckworth-Lewis Method (DLS).
Early in the chase, Pakistan openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique faltered, with Shafique dismissed for one by Blessing Muzarabani, leaving the score at 11. Muzarabani struck again at 17, catching Saim for 11.
As the match progressed, Pakistan’s scoring pace slowed. By the 16th over at 49-3, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha was out for four, bowled by Sikandar, who also dismissed Haseebullah for a duck.
Salman and Faisal captured three wickets each for Pakistan, with support from pacers Haris Rauf, Aamer Jamal, and Hasnain, who took one.
Sikandar was named player of the match. The second ODI is scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue.
Pakistan has faced a challenging tour in Zimbabwe, where they were defeated 3-0 in the T20 International series under Rizwan’s first-time leadership.
