Pakistan played a thumping performance to defeat Zimbabwe by ten wickets in the second ODI, squaring the three-match series at 1-1.
Saim Ayub was the hero of the match with a record-breaking century, as he plundered an unbeaten 113 off just 58 balls, the second-fastest ODI hundred by a Pakistani after Shahid Afridi. Chasing 146, Pakistan reached the target in only 18 overs without losing a wicket.
Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first backfired as Pakistan’s spinners wreaked havoc. Abrar Ahmed, on debut, claimed 4 for 33, while Salman Agha took 3 for 26, bundling Zimbabwe out for 145 in 32.3 overs.
Zimbabwe’s Dion Myers (33) and Sean Williams (31) provided some resistance, but lack of partnerships and two costly run-outs left them well short of a competitive total.
In response, Pakistan’s openers faced little resistance. Ayub’s aggressive knock, including 14 fours and six sixes, neutralized Zimbabwe’s attack, while Abdullah Shafique’s 32* anchored the chase. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled, with Blessing Muzarabani and Brandon Mavuta conceding heavily.
The series now stands tied at 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all finale.
PAK vs ZIM Head to Head Records- 3rd ODI, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024
Stats | Matches | PAK Won | ZIM Won | Tied | NR |
Overall | 64 | 55 | 06 | 01 | 02 |
At Bulawayo | 09 | 07 | 02 | 0 | 0 |
In the last 5 matches | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
In ongoing series | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
In Zimbabwe | 30 | 24 | 04 | 0 | 02 |
In 2024 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
PAK vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics
Pakistan has maintained a stronghold over Zimbabwe in ODI cricket, dominating most of their encounters since the early 1990s. The two teams have faced off in 20 bilateral series, with Pakistan emerging victorious in 18 of them.
Zimbabwe’s rare moments of success include a 1-1 draw in 1994/95 and a 2-1 series win in 2013, their only triumph against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s dominance is reflected in their clean sweeps, where they have won 5-0 in 2002/03, 2007/08, and 2018.
The years have witnessed their strong bowling attack and solid batting line-ups outclassing Zimbabwe time and again.
Zimbabwe has not been able to match Pakistan in terms of consistency and depth over the last few years. Though they have shown flashes of competitiveness, Pakistan’s experience and quality have often proved too much to handle. The rivalry continues to underline the gap between the two teams in international cricket.
PAK vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records: Last 5 matches
Pakistan has totally dominated Zimbabwe and has won 4 of the last 5 games in the Pak vs Zim rivalry.
PAK vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records: Best performers:
Mohammad Yousuf has also the record for most runs by a Pakistani batsman against Zimbabwe in ODIs. He scored 1,033 runs in 24 matches with an average of 73.78, which included three centuries and seven half-centuries, while his top score was 141*.
Grant Flower, however, is the highest scorer for Zimbabwe against Pakistan in ODIs. He scored 906 runs over 30 matches at an average of 34.84, with a century and six fifties.
As far as bowling is concerned, Heath Streak remains Zimbabwe’s highest wicket-taker against Pakistan in ODIs, claiming 35 wickets in 20 matches.
For Pakistan, Shahid Afridi leads the wicket tally against Zimbabwe in ODIs with 34 wickets in 31 games.
Conclusion
PAK vs ZIM has a head-to-head record in favor of Pakistan and has largely dominated the rivalry with Zimbabwe winning on and off but the Host started on a winning note.