Pakistan Shaheens Thrash Zimbabwe Select to Keep Series Alive

In a thrilling encounter at Harare, the Pakistan Shaheens displayed their dominance over the Zimbabwe Select team, securing a resounding victory by a margin of 177 runs. This win has kept the series alive, with the hosts still leading 3-2, but Pakistan Shaheens have managed to keep their hopes alive with one game remaining.

The Zimbabwe Select team faced an uphill battle while chasing a target of 315 runs. The Pakistan Shaheens struck early, with fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani removing Innocent Kaia (7) in the fourth over of the second innings. Zimbabwe struggled to find stability throughout their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Dahani continued his impressive performance by claiming his second wicket, dismissing Wessly Madhevere for 15. Aamer Jamal joined the party by dismissing the skipper Sean Williams for 15.

Mehran Mumtaz, who returned to the playing XI after being benched in the last two games, made an impact by picking up two wickets in a single over, removing Sikandar Raza (9) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (19). Mohammad Ali got in on the action, trapping Milton Shumba lbw for 14. Qasim Akram, the young all-rounder, showcased his talent with a wicket maiden in the 26th over, dismissing Brandon Mavuta for 3. Akram struck again in his third over, catching Luke Jongwe for 3 with the assistance of Hussain Talat.

Despite Clive Madande's valiant unbeaten knock of 41 runs, Zimbabwe fell short of the target and were bowled out for 137 runs. Dahani and Qasim Akram emerged as the leading wicket-takers for Pakistan Shaheens, claiming three wickets each, while Mumtaz contributed with two wickets.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan Shaheens, after being asked to bat first, posted an imposing total of 314 runs for the loss of six wickets. The opening duo of Imran Butt and Haseebullah Khan laid the foundation with a magnificent 139-run partnership. Imran Butt showcased his prowess, scoring 64 runs from 65 deliveries, including seven fours and a six. Haseebullah's contribution was equally commendable, as he scored 62 runs from 77 deliveries, including nine boundaries.

Zimbabwe Select managed to break the opening partnership in the 24th over when Imran Butt (64) was run out brilliantly by Clive Madande. In the same over, Haseebullah (62) fell victim to Sikandar Raza's bowling.

Omair Bin Yousuf, who had previously played a remarkable innings of 153 runs, once again exhibited his class by remaining unbeaten on 89 runs from 87 deliveries, including seven fours and a six. However, Rohail Nazir (16), Kamran Ghulam (12), skipper Hussain Talat (7), and Qasim Akram (13) were unable to make significant contributions during the crucial phase of the game.

Aamer Jamal played a crucial role in providing valuable support to Omair Yusuf towards the end, remaining unbeaten with a score of 24 runs from 18 balls, including two fours and a six.

Brandon Mavuta was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe Select, taking two wickets while conceding 39 runs in his spell. Sikandar Raza and Luke Jongwe each claimed one wicket.

The match showcased an exhilarating display of cricket, with Pakistan Shaheens' dominant victory adding excitement to the series and setting the stage for an intense final game.