ZIM VS PAK ODI

And that wraps up the opening game of this series! Zimbabwe have sent shockwaves down the Pakistan camp with an emphatic victory to secure a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. The action stays in Bulawayo, with the second ODI set to light up your screens on Tuesday, November 26th. The first ball is scheduled for 7.30 am GMT, but don’t forget to join us well ahead of time for all the exciting pre-match buildup. Until then, it’s cheers and goodbye!

The skipper of Zimbabwe, Craig Ervine says he feels ecstatic. Adds that they were looking to bowl first but it did not matter in the end. Reckons that it was a good day overall, with the bat the intent was brilliant and they were always up on the run rate but the only thing that didn't go well was they failed to bat the entire quota of 50 overs. Mentions that the pacers did brilliantly at the top to contain them and Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza followed brilliantly to pick up those wickets in the middle phase.

Sikandar Raza is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his outstanding performance both with the bat and the ball. He starts by saying that somebody had to bat out of their skin and it's nice to have gotten over the line. Mentions that the top 4 batters showed intent which was important and says that the two little partnerships were crucial towards the end. Appreciates Richard Ngarava and mentions how he motivated him to find boundaries and keep the scoreboard ticking. Appreciates the bowlers for the way they fought back and concludes that it is tough on his body to keep performing as an allrounder but the motivation and hunger to do well for the country drives him.

Mohammad Rizwan the skipper of Pakistan is in for a chat. He says it wasn't a good day for them. Adds that the bowlers did their job well but the batters failed whereas for the opponents Sikandar Raza played well and got them to a decent total. Mentions that they failed to handle the pressure well. Closes by saying that the side had a perfect combination in the bowling unit but they just failed with the bat. Credits Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava for this clinical performance and says the experience of these players playing in the PSL has helped them.

It's time for the Presentation Ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Zimbabwe burst out of the gates with an aggressive and positive approach, spearheaded by the dynamic opening duo of Joylord Gumbie and Tadiwanashe Marumani. However, a costly mix-up triggered a dramatic collapse, with wickets tumbling in quick succession. Despite a few batters getting promising starts, none could capitalize, leaving Zimbabwe on shaky ground. Then came a gritty 62-run partnership between Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava, injecting much-needed momentum and pushing the team to a competitive total of 205 before being bowled out. For Pakistan, Salman Agha and debutant Faisal Akram were the stars with the ball, claiming three wickets apiece to keep their side on top at the halfway stage in the game.

Pakistan will want to quickly forget this dismal batting display and focus on bouncing back stronger in the next game. Their reckless shot selection at the top set the tone for a collapse, compounded by their inability to counter the spin brilliance of Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, who dismantled the middle order in no time. Apart from skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who showed some resilience, no batter managed to settle in, leading to wickets falling like a house of cards.

Defending a modest total of 205, Zimbabwe needed a dream start with the ball - and they delivered in style. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava set the tone from the outset, maintaining tight, probing lines that kept the Pakistani batters on the edge. Muzarabani struck gold early, removing both openers in quick succession, paving the way for the spinners to take control. Both Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams capitalized on the momentum, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order with precision and reducing them to a precarious 58/6, leaving the visitors reeling before the covers came on.

Right then, the official confirmation is here - Play has been called off and Zimbabwe pull off a stunning upset, defeating Pakistan by 80 runs via the DLS method! While rain ultimately cut proceedings short, it only expedited the inevitable, sparing Pakistan further misery. Zimbabwe’s disciplined and spirited bowling effort in just 21 overs delivered a clear statement of intent, leaving the visitors shell-shocked. Taking a 1-0 lead in this three-match series, the hosts have drawn first blood in style with a thoroughly deserved victory.

UPDATE - 2.20 pm GMT - Nothing much happening at the ground, and the rain has now settled into a steady drizzle. While we await further updates from Bulawayo, why not switch tabs and catch the thrilling encounter between West Indies and Bangladesh, which has just started on Day 3? Bangladesh have a tough task ahead, trailing by 404 runs. Sit back, enjoy that match for now, and don’t forget to tune back in here for more updates as soon as we have them!

UPDATE - 1.46 pm GMT - Nothing more to add, folks! The rain is still steady, with the covers firmly in place and no activity around the ground. We're holding out hope for the rain to ease soon, allowing the groundstaff to get to work and set things back in motion. However, with the current conditions, things aren’t looking promising.

UPDATE - 1.05 pm GMT - The rain continues to pour, and the covers are securely in place. With the sky still dark and no floodlights available at the venue, conditions are not looking promising for play to restart anytime soon. It’s now a race against time!

UPDATE - 12.39 pm GMT - It has started to rain and the covers are brought on. It is pouring at Bulawayo and since the 20-over mark is crossed, Zimbabwe wouldn't mind a bit. Pakistan are miles behind in terms of par score as per the DLS at this point and if it continues to rain we will have a result in favour of the hosts. For now, we stay hopeful that this is just a passing shower and the action will resume. Stick around for further updates!

Slants it in, full and on middle, Aamer Jamal tucks it to mid on.

Quicker and fuller, onto the stumps, Aamer Jamal clips it to mid-wicket.

Angling in, on middle. Aamer Jamal tucks it to mid-wicket.

Well outside off, on a fuller length, Aamer Jamal fends it out to point.

Slows it up and keeps it on off does Williams, Mohammad Rizwan pushes at it and hits it to deep cover for a single.

Short and on off, Mohammad Rizwan punches it to mid off.