Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team: Match Scorecard

The match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe is always a thrilling encounter, where cricket fans from both sides anticipate fierce competition. Whether it’s in a bilateral series or during international tournaments, these teams have consistently showcased their skill, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit. This article offers an in-depth look at the scorecard of a recent match between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team, analyzing the key moments, performances, and statistics from the game.

Overview of the Match

The match between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team took place on January 2, 2025, at the renowned Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. 

It was part of a series aimed at further improving the cricketing relations between both countries and enhancing their teams’ competitiveness on the international stage. The game was expected to be an exciting contest, especially with both teams having experienced a mix of highs and lows in recent months.

Batting Performance

Pakistan National Cricket Team

Pakistan’s batting lineup looked formidable on paper, with the team boasting several seasoned players and rising stars. As the match began, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total.

The opening partnership between Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq started cautiously, with both players focused on building a solid foundation. Azam, the Pakistani captain and a prolific run-scorer, played some elegant drives, while Imam’s steady play added stability to the innings. However, the Zimbabwean bowlers kept them under check with consistent line and length.

Babar Azam eventually departed after scoring 45 runs from 60 balls, just as he was starting to look dangerous. Imam-ul-Haq followed shortly after, falling for 32 runs. The middle order, including Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan, tried to accelerate the scoring rate. Rizwan, known for his aggressive style, managed to score 62 runs from 50 balls, adding crucial runs to the total. Shadab Khan, the all-rounder, contributed 30 runs, helping Pakistan reach a total of 232/8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Zimbabwe National Cricket Team

Chasing a target of 233 runs, Zimbabwe needed a strong start to make the run chase achievable. Their opening batsmen, Craig Ervine and Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, faced a tough task against Pakistan’s opening bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Ervine, the experienced left-hander, played with great composure, scoring 56 runs from 70 balls. Kamunhukamwe also contributed with a steady 21 runs. However, Zimbabwe’s middle-order struggled under the pressure of Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Afridi and Rauf, who both regularly tested the batsmen with pace and bounce. Zimbabwe’s top order collapsed with regular wickets, and only Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl offered resistance. Raza scored 38 runs, while Burl remained unbeaten on 34 runs, but Zimbabwe was eventually all out for 185 runs in 46.3 overs, falling short of the target by 48 runs.

Bowling Performances

Pakistan National Cricket Team

Pakistan’s bowling attack proved too strong for Zimbabwe, with Shaheen Shah Afridi once again showcasing his lethal pace. Afridi took 3 wickets for 45 runs in his 9-over spell, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the innings. Haris Rauf was also instrumental in restricting Zimbabwe, claiming 2 wickets for 39 runs in his 8-over spell. Pakistan’s spin duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz played key supporting roles, with Shadab taking 2 wickets for 32 runs, and Nawaz contributing with 1 wicket for 25 runs.

Zimbabwe National Cricket Team

Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought hard but were unable to break through Pakistan’s middle-order. Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 55 runs, while Richard Ngarava also had a decent outing with 2 wickets for 47 runs. Wellington Masakadza, the left-arm spinner, contributed 1 wicket for 40 runs but couldn’t stem the flow of runs from Pakistan’s aggressive batsmen.

Key Highlights

Babar Azam continued his consistent form with 45 runs, contributing crucially to Pakistan’s score.

Mohammad Rizwan’s rapid 62 runs anchored the innings for Pakistan, and his partnership with Shadab Khan was vital in pushing the score to 232.

Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, dominated Zimbabwe’s batting line-up, taking key wickets at regular intervals.

Zimbabwe’s top-order collapse under pressure was a critical factor in their defeat. Craig Ervine showed promise with a 56-run knock but lacked support from the lower order.

Pakistan won the match by 48 runs, consolidating their dominance in the series.

FAQs

What was the final score of the Pakistan vs Zimbabwe match?

Pakistan posted a total of 232/8 in their 50 overs, batting first. Zimbabwe, in response, managed to score 185 runs before being bowled out in 46.3 overs, falling short by 48 runs. Pakistan won the match comfortably.

Who were the top scorers for Pakistan in the match?

The top scorers for Pakistan were Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Rizwan played a crucial innings of 62 runs from 50 balls, while the captain, Babar Azam, contributed 45 runs to the team’s total. Their solid partnerships in the middle helped Pakistan set a competitive target.

Who were the standout bowlers for Pakistan?

Pakistan’s bowlers were instrumental in restricting Zimbabwe to a low total. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 45 runs. Haris Rauf also bowled brilliantly, claiming 2 wickets for 39 runs, while Shadab Khan supported well with 2 wickets for 32 runs.

Who performed best for Zimbabwe in the match?

For Zimbabwe, Craig Ervine was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 56 runs. He provided some stability at the top, but the Zimbabwean batting lineup faltered under pressure. Sikandar Raza (38 runs) and Ryan Burl (34 runs*) also contributed, but it wasn’t enough to reach the target.

To Conclude

The Pakistan National Cricket Team emerged victorious in this encounter, showcasing solid batting, and excellent bowling performance. The match proved to be a one-sided contest, with Zimbabwe unable to chase the target set by Pakistan. While the Zimbabwean players displayed grit, it was Pakistan’s all-round effort that led them to a well-deserved win. This victory not only strengthens Pakistan’s position in the series but also provides crucial lessons for Zimbabwe to build upon as they continue to develop their cricketing abilities on the international stage.

To read more, click here