Pakistan bounced back from a poor performance in the first ODI with a clinical display in the second, defeating Zimbabwe by ten wickets to level the series. Saim Ayub led the charge with a stunning 53-ball century, the second-fastest ODI ton by a Pakistani after Shahid Afridi. Chasing a modest 146, Pakistan reached the target in just 18 overs, with Ayub remaining unbeaten on 113 and Abdullah Shafique contributing 32 not out.
Earlier, Pakistan’s spinners dominated Zimbabwe, who opted to bat first. Debutant Abrar Ahmed was the standout, taking 4 for 33, while Salman Agha chipped in with 3 for 26. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 145 in 32.3 overs, with Dion Myers (33) and Sean Williams (31) providing the only notable resistance. Tight bowling and sharp fielding ensured Zimbabwe couldn’t form meaningful partnerships, losing their last five wickets for just 24 runs.
Pakistan’s chase began confidently, despite a couple of early chances for Zimbabwe. Ayub edged Richard Ngarava early on, and Shafique’s mistimed drive was dropped by Sean Williams. However, Ayub soon took control, dispatching Trevor Gwandu for a flurry of boundaries and reaching a 32-ball half-century. The spinners struggled in the absence of scoreboard pressure, with Brandon Mavuta conceding 47 runs in four overs.
Ayub brought up his century with a boundary off Sikandar Raza, celebrating calmly but earning roaring applause from his teammates. His unbeaten knock, laced with fluent strokes all around the ground, highlighted Pakistan’s dominance.
This emphatic win not only showcased Pakistan’s resilience but also set the stage for an exciting series decider. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to stay competitive in the final game.
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