Zimbabwe set a low target of 146 in the crucial ODI match against Pakistan

Pakistan’s spinners — led by Salman Ali Agha and Ambrar Ahmed — restricted Zimbabwe to 145 in the crucial second match of the three-match One Day International (ODI) in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

Zimbabwean batsmen who have scored, though not very impressive, include Dion Myers (33 off 30), captain Craig Ervine (18 off 35), Sean Williams (31 off 39) and Sikandar Raza (17 off 17) , almost everyone. the rest collapsed for a paltry score.

Abrar took four and Agha three scalps, reducing the hosts to a paltry total.

Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first.

The Green Shirts face losing their first three-match ODI series to Zimbabwe, a team generally seen as underdogs in this game, after a stunning 80-run defeat in the first game of the rain-hit series.

Zimbabwe have never been able to win a three-match ODI series despite having some notable wins over Pakistan, including a one-off ODI win in 1995, an ODI win in 2015 and a thrilling Super Over win in 2021.

Sunday’s crushing defeat served as a wake-up call to Pakistan, especially after their recent win against Australia at home, The News reported.

The pressure is mounting on newly appointed white-ball coach Aaqib Javed, whose series debut has started on a sour note.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan stood out with an unbeaten knock in the first ODI, but the rest of the batting line-up collapsed against Zimbabwean spinners Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, who mercilessly exploited the visiting side’s vulnerabilities.

Platoons

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Shahnawaz Dahani, Saim Ayub, and Tayyab Tahir

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Faraz Akram, Joylord Gumbie, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa and Trevor.

This is a story that is being developed and updated with more details.