Pakistan levelled the three-match series after defeating Zimbabwe by 10 wickets with Saim Ayub's 113 off 62 balls in the crucial second One Day International (ODI) played at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Tuesday.
Set to chase a modest 146, Pakistan comfortably amassed the total without losing a wicket and 190 balls to spare, thanks to Saim's blistering century.
The left-handed batter dominated the match-winning partnership with sensational hitting, which saw him scoring his maiden ODI century in just 53 balls.
His brisk century was the third-fastest by a Pakistan batter in men's ODIs, only behind legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Saim top-scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 113 off just 62 balls, studded with 20 boundaries including three sixes, while Abdullah Shafique made 32 not out.
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe only managed 145 runs before getting bundled out in the 33rd over.
The home side had a shaky start to their innings as their openers Tadiwanashe Marumani (4) and Joylord Gumbie (5) perished after making meagre contributions.
Following the slump, top-order batter Dion Myers and skipper Craig Ervine briefly anchored the innings with a 38-run partnership.
Myers, who was the core aggressor of the crucial stand, fell victim to Salman Ali Agha in the 13th over. He remained the top-scorer for the hosts with a 30-ball 33, laced with six boundaries.
Agha inflicted a middle-order collapse by dismissing Ervine and Sikandar Raza in quick succession, reducing the hosts to 97/5 in 20.2 overs.
Experienced all-rounder Sean Williams offered a notable fight with a cautious 31 off 39 deliveries.
However, following his departure in the 26th over with 121 runs on the board, Zimbabwe could add 24 runs for the loss of their remaining wickets despite Blessing Muzarabani’s 11-run cameo.
Abrar was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking four wickets, followed by Agha with three scalps, while Faisal Akram and Saim Ayub struck out one batter apiece.
The 10-wicket victory lifted Pakistan to level the three-match series 1-1, with the final ODI scheduled to take place on Thursday at the same venue.
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab Tahir
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa and Trevor Gwandu.
Men in Green defeat Bangladesh in Multan's thrilling final showdown to grab the T20 World Cup for first time
India's tendency to refuse Pakistan's visas became reason behind decision to strip-off country of hosting rights
Malaysian female squash star Nicol David honoured as newest member of Hall of Fame alongside Pakistan player
Leaders of 23 sports federations write joint letter to PSB to express concerns over proposed regulations
Shah outlines priorities for his term, including leveraging cricket’s inclusion in Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games
Kamran Akhtar smashes 13 boundaries including a six on his way to unbeaten 63 off 21 deliveries
