ZIMBABWE Select crashed to a chastening 177-run defeat at Harare Sports Club on Thursday as the Pakistan Shaheens moved within a match to level the series with a game to go.
This was, however, despite a valiant effort by the locals’ wicketkeeper-batsman, Clive Madande, who put up a gritty 41 runs but was not enough against the combined onslaught of the Shaheens, who amassed an imposing total of 314-6.
The Shaheens’ batters gave an incredible display, with Omair Yousuf leading the way with 89 runs not out at number three.
Opener Imran Butt scored 64, with his opening partner Haseebullah Khan adding another 62. Their performance highlighted the striking contrast between the teams and provided an insight into Shaheens’ tactical precision and consistency on the field.
Zimbabwe Select, choosing to field first after winning the toss, might have hoped for early wickets, but the Shaheens’ openers thwarted their plans, maintaining a rapid scoring pace of roughly a run per ball. The formidable partnership of Butt and Khan was eventually disrupted in the 24th over, though not before setting up a strong foundation for their team with an opening stand of 139 runs.
Despite losing two quick wickets, Yousuf demonstrated commendable poise, continuing the onslaught with Rohail Nazir. The dismissal of Nazir, however, did little to slow Yousuf, who remained undeterred even as he saw the departure of his next three partners.
The Zimbabwean team showed sparks of resilience, with Brandon Mavuta emerging as the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 39 runs. Nonetheless, they faced an uphill task in their batting innings, tasked with chasing the highest total of the series.
Zimbabwe’s opening pair, Innocent Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani, could not provide the brisk start needed to chase such a steep target. The loss of early wickets further deflated the Zimbabweans’ hopes, despite sporadic resistance from Wessly Madhevere and Sean Williams.
In the midst of the ensuing wickets, Madande emerged as a beacon of determination, scoring an aggressive 41 not out. His spirited performance, however, proved insufficient as the rest of the batting line-up crumbled, leaving Madande stranded. In a grim reminder of their batting frailty, the last four batsmen managed only 10 runs between them.
Pakistan Shaheens’ bowlers capitalised on this collapse, with Qasim Akram’s off-spin claiming three wickets and Shahnawaz Dahani adding another three. Zimbabwe Select were bundled out for a disheartening total of 137, marking a 177-run victory for the Shaheens.
Zimbabwe and Pakistan face off in the final match of the series at Harare Sports Club on Saturday. Zimbabwe aims to redeem themselves, while Pakistan will look to seal their dominance.
