Saim Ayub struck an unbeaten 113 as Pakistan crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in Bulawayo on Tuesday to level a one-day international series with one match to come.
Zimbabwe were all out for 145 at Queens Sports Club as they sought a second victory over the tourists in three days having won by 80 runs in a rain-shortened tour opener.
Pakistan then atoned for a poor batting show on Sunday with Ayub and fellow opener Abdullah Shafique (32 not out) unstoppable as they reached their target in 18.2 overs.
The @SaimAyub7 storm helps Pakistan cruise to an emphatic 🔟-wicket win in the second ODI! 🙌
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 26, 2024
The series decider will take place on Thursday 🏏#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/73srWTUF5H
Ayub struck 17 runs and three sixes off 62 balls in a 75-minute stand while Shafique claimed four fours in the southern city.
Ayub reached his century off 53 balls – the second fastest in an ODI international by a Pakistani after Shahid Afridi.
1️⃣1️⃣3️⃣ not out
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 26, 2024
6️⃣2️⃣ balls
1️⃣7️⃣ fours
3️⃣ sixes@SaimAyub7's whirlwind maiden ODI 💯 earns him the player of the match award 🏆#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/sI3s0f1XpJ
Zimbabwe, seeking a first ODI series win over Pakistan, utilised five bowlers, but none made an impression with Brandon Mavuta, who conceded 47 runs in four overs, particularly expensive.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe were quickly in trouble with openers Joylord Gumbie (five) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (four) back in the pavilion with less than four overs bowled.
Only Dion Myers, who struck six fours in his 33, and veteran Sean Williams, who posted 31 before being trapped leg before by Ayub, impressed for the home team.
Pakistan-born allrounder Sikandar Raza, often the batting saviour for Zimbabwe, made just 17 before becoming one of three victims of Salman Ali Agha.
Abrar Ahmed took four wickets and Ali Agha three for Pakistan, who arrived in southern Africa after a 3-0 ODI series loss in Australia.
The Zimbabwe ODI series decider is set for Thursday, followed by three Twenty20 internationals from Sunday, also in Bulawayo.
Pakistan then visit South Africa for an all-format tour.