Kamran Ghulam leads Pakistan to victory with maiden ODI century

Pakistan secured a 2-1 ODI series victory against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, where Kamran Ghulam's performance stood out. On Thursday, Ghulam achieved his maiden international century, scoring 103 runs, which significantly contributed to Pakistan's total of 303 runs for 6 wickets in their 50 overs at Queens Sports Club. The match began with Pakistan winning the toss and opting to bat first. After a cautious start, Ghulam formed partnerships that proved vital in building a solid score. Zimbabwe's batting struggled in response, leading to their collapse at 204 all out in just over 40 overs. The loss highlighted the difficulty Zimbabwe faced against a stronger Pakistani lineup. This match followed a rollercoaster series, where Pakistan faced challenges after a rain-impacted first match resulting in a loss by 80 runs. Their subsequent comeback was marked by a commanding 10-wicket win, demonstrating their adaptability and strength in away matches. Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed pride in the team's ability to bounce back from adversity, emphasizing how such victories boost confidence before heading into future tours, particularly one that includes eight matches in South Africa. The match showcased standout performances from both Kamran Ghulam and the bowlers, with Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava capturing two wickets each but at a considerable cost, contributing to Pakistan’s dominant total. Pakistan, with a remarkable record, has now achieved 56 victories out of 65 ODIs played against Zimbabwe. This history of confrontation sets a precedence for future encounters and highlights the competitive nature of the teams in international cricket. As Pakistan prepares for their upcoming tour to South Africa, the focus will be on maintaining this level of performance. Such series wins not only add to morale but also establish the team as a formidable opponent in various formats, presenting an opportunity for players like Ghulam to further define their roles in the team. The players' ability to respond to pressure and perform under challenging circumstances will be crucial as they face a packed schedule ahead, with matches across all formats against South Africa.