Pakistan beats Zimbabwe by 10 wickets with Sam Ayub's century, series level

Sam Ayub scored an unbeaten 113 as Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in Bulawayo on Tuesday to level the ODI series with one match remaining. Zimbabwe were all out for 145 at the Queen's Sports Club as they looked for their second win over the tourists in three days after winning by 80 runs in the opening match of a rain-interrupted tour. After this, Pakistan atoned for its poor batting on Sunday and with the help of Ayub and fellow opener Abdullah Shafiq (32 not out), Pakistan achieved the target in 18.2 overs. Ayub hit 17 runs and three sixes in 62 balls in his 75-minute innings, while Shafiq hit four fours in the southern city. Ayub completed his century off 53 balls – the second fastest century by a Pakistani in ODI Internationals after Shahid Afridi.

Zimbabwe, seeking a first ODI series win over Pakistan, used five bowlers but could not make any impact with Brandon Mavuta conceding 47 runs from four overs, who were particularly expensive.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Zimbabwe soon ran into trouble as openers Joylord Gumbi (five) and Tadivanashe Marumani (four) departed in less than four overs.

Only Dion Myers, who hit six fours in 33 runs, and the experienced Sean Williams, who made 31 before being dismissed LBW off Ayub, made an impact for the home team.

Pakistan-born all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who is often the savior of the batting for Zimbabwe, made just 17 runs before becoming one of Salman Ali Aga's three victims.

Abrar Ahmed took four wickets and Ali Aga took three wickets for Pakistan, who reached South Africa after losing 3-0 ODI series in Australia.

The Zimbabwe ODI series decider is scheduled to be played on Thursday, followed by three Twenty20 Internationals in Bulawayo from Sunday. After this Pakistan will tour South Africa for an all formats tour.