Kamran Ghulam's maiden ODI ton secures series win for Pakistan

Kamran Ghulam’s maiden One Day International (ODI) century for Pakistan led them to a 99-run win over Zimbabwe on Thursday and victory in the three-match series.

Kamran scored an impressive 103 runs as Pakistan opted to bat first, posting a strong total of 303 at Queens Sports Club.

Kamran’s innings of 103 came off 99 balls and featured 10 fours and four sixes. He reached his fifty in 59 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Entering at 58 for one in the 13th over, Kamran was eventually dismissed in the 45th over with Pakistan’s total at 232.

He shared key partnerships during the innings, including a 54-run stand for the second wicket with Abdullah Shafique, who scored 50 off 68 balls with five fours and one six. Kamran also put together an 89-run partnership for the third wicket with Mohammad Rizwan, who added 37 runs to the total.

Pakistan finished strongly with 102 runs in the last 10 overs. Salman Ali Agha contributed 30 runs, while Tayyab Tahir remained not out on 29.

Zimbabwe, in response, could only manage 204 runs. Captain Craig Ervine scored 51 in Zimbabwe’s reply but they were never in touch with the required run rate and were eventually bowled out in 40.1 overs.

Zimbabwe won the opening ODI by 80 runs on the DLS method on Sunday in a surprise start to the series but Pakistan dominated on Tuesday to win by 10 wickets and level the series, with all the matches played in Bulawayo.

The two countries will now play a three-match Twenty20 series at the Queens Sports Club, starting on Sunday.