THE final match of the six-match Unofficial One Day International series between Zimbabwe Select and Pakistan A became the stage for a spectacular record-breaking performance by Craig Ervine in an extraordinary cricket showdown.
With a Herculean effort, Ervine shattered the national record by scoring an incredible 195 runs, propelling Zimbabwe Select to a thrilling 32-run victory over the Pakistan Shaheens. A staggering total of 738 runs were scored during this exciting day at Harare Sports Club.
Despite being dealt an early blow with Joylord Gumbie’s dismissal on the second ball, the Zimbabwean team rebounded spectacularly. The stage was set for Ervine to join Innocent Kaia at the crease. Their fantastic partnership delivered a riveting spectacle as they hammered the Pakistan bowling attack, putting up 187 runs in just 27 overs.
Undeterred by Kaia’s dismissal at 92, Ervine continued his rampage, notching up a phenomenal century off just 89 balls. As partnerships formed and dissolved around him, Ervine stood firm, driving the total beyond 300 and setting his sights on a rare double century.
With just two overs remaining, he was on 175 but scored 19 in the penultimate over, tying Charles Coventry’s national record. However, the elusive double-century slipped through his fingers as he was run out trying to snatch a single from a wide, ending his monumental innings at 195. His exceptional performance, complete with six sixes and 22 fours, now stands as a new national record, his prowess earning him a standing ovation as he returned to the pavilion.
The Pakistan Shaheens, faced with a towering target of nearly eight runs per over, were struck early blows, with their top three batsmen dismissed within the first 10 overs. However, the middle order exhibited commendable resistance, with Rohail Nazir and Kamran Ghulam putting on a courageous stand, adding 108 runs in less than 17 overs.
Mubasir Khan joined the fight, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, he never let up, punishing the Zimbabwean bowling attack and reaching a brilliant century. However, his heroics were not enough to overcome the massive target set by Zimbabwe. He fell on the second ball of the final over, bringing the Shaheens’ total to an impressive 353 but falling short of the target by 32 runs.
This sensational match was a testament to the captivating unpredictability of cricket, with an awe-inspiring individual performance from Craig Ervine, a superb counter-attack from the Shaheens, and, ultimately, a thrilling victory for Zimbabwe Select. This win secured their series triumph with four victories against two, marking a memorable conclusion to an electrifying cricket series.
