Zimbabwe stuns Pakistan in rain-hit ODI series opener

Zimbabwe stunned Pakistan in the opening match of their three-game ODI series, securing an 80-run victory via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday.

Despite a shaky start, the hosts, after being sent in to bat, rallied from 125-7, thanks to a crucial 62-run eighth-wicket stand between Sikandar Raza (39) and left-handed tailender Richard Ngarava (48).

Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 205 with nine overs to spare.

On his debut, Pakistan's left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram impressed with figures of 3-24, while off-spinner Salman Ali Agha also chipped in with 3-42.

Pakistan batting falters

Zimbabwe quick Blessing Muzarabani removed Pakistan’s openers cheaply and the wickets continued to tumble in a feeble batting display as they slumped to 60-6 off 21 overs before heavy rain arrived.

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with an unbeaten 19, but no other batter offered significant resistance.

Kamran Ghulam managed 17, and Saim Ayub added 11, while the rest failed to make an impact.

Zimbabwe's bowlers shared the spoils, with Raza taking 2-7, Muzarabani 2-9, and Sean Williams 2-12.

The series continues with the second and third ODIs scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, followed by a three-match T20I series.