Pakistan stormed to a dominant ten-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI, leveling the three-match series after a clinical all-round performance. The game, which unfolded in front of a jubilant crowd at Bulawayo, saw Pakistan’s spinners put Zimbabwe on the back foot before opener Saim Ayub dazzled with a rapid century to lead his side to an emphatic win.
Zimbabwe, having won the toss and chosen to bat, were dismissed for just 145 in 32.3 overs, as Pakistan’s bowlers made quick work of the Zimbabwean batting lineup. Debutant Abrar Ahmed was the star with the ball, claiming 4 for 33, while Salman Agha (3 for 26) proved to be equally destructive. The pair’s tight lines and sharp turn left Zimbabwe with little room to build substantial partnerships, and despite an early flurry from Dion Myers (33), the hosts’ innings quickly crumbled.
Myers had looked promising with a 30-ball knock, but the collapse began when Tadiwanashe Marumani was run out, and Abrar’s sharp spin accounted for Joylord Gumbie. A brief 38-run stand between Myers and Craig Ervine provided some resistance, but Pakistan’s spinners tightened the noose. Salman’s twin strikes removed Myers and Ervine, while a reverse sweep from Sean Williams handed Pakistan their fifth wicket. With wickets falling regularly, Zimbabwe’s lower order could not withstand the pressure, and they were bowled out for a sub-par total.
Pakistan’s chase of 146 was a walk in the park, with Ayub taking center stage. The 21-year-old opener, known for his aggressive strokeplay, dispatched Zimbabwe’s bowlers to all corners, reaching a blistering 100 off just 53 balls. His century, the fastest by a Pakistani player in ODIs after Shahid Afridi, was a display of fearless batting as he cut, pulled, and drove with precision. Ayub’s partnership with Abdullah Shafique (32*) was flawless, with the duo cruising to the target with 32 overs to spare.
The chase wasn’t without its moments of tension early on. Ayub was lucky to survive a thick edge off Richard Ngarava that flew wide of second slip, while Shafique was dropped by Sean Williams at backward point. However, Ayub’s explosive start, including a 32-ball fifty, quickly neutralized any pressure, and once he reached three figures, Pakistan’s victory was all but assured.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had no answers to Ayub’s dominance. Trevor Gwandu and Brandon Mavuta were both dispatched for runs as Ayub raced towards his milestone. His century came off Sikandar Raza’s bowling, and though his celebration was understated, the significance of his knock was clear to all.
Pakistan’s spinners had set the platform in the first innings, and Ayub’s breathtaking knock finished the job, leveling the series 1-1 ahead of the decider.
This crushing win was a complete turnaround for Pakistan after their dramatic loss in the first ODI, where they had slumped to 60 for 6 in pursuit of a modest target. With Ayub in this form, Pakistan will be confident heading into the final match of the series.
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