Kamran Ghulam showcased a masterclass for Pakistan in batting with his maiden ODI century against Zimbabwe in the last game of the series at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Walking in during a critical juncture in the 13th over after Saim Ayub‘s dismissal, Ghulam anchored the innings with precision and flair. Scoring 103 runs off 99 balls, his knock was adorned with 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. This milestone holds special significance as it marked his first century in ODI cricket, a moment to remember in his promising career.
Pakistan’s innings led by Kamran Ghulam’s stellar hundred
After captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bat, the openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a steady start with a 58-run partnership. Openers Ayub and Abdullah Shafique provided a steady start, adding 46 runs in the initial nine overs. Shafique, who reached a composed half-century, built a solid 54-run partnership with Ghulam after Ayub’s departure.
Shafique’s composed half-century (50 off 68 balls) laid the foundation for the middle order. Ghulam, stepping in after Ayub’s dismissal, played a pivotal role, scoring an impressive 103 off 99 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes. Despite losing Rizwan (37 off 47) and Ghulam in the later stages, Pakistan’s aggressive finish, spearheaded by Tayyab Tahir‘s quickfire 29 off 16 balls, helped them post a competitive 303/6 in 50 overs.
Also READ: ZIM vs PAK, Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, UK, USA and South Africa
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggle against Pakistan’s depth
Zimbabwe’s bowlers faced a tough outing as Pakistan capitalized on crucial partnerships to build their innings. Sikandar Raza was the standout performer with figures of 2/47 in his 10 overs, demonstrating excellent control. Richard Ngarava supported with 2/55, while Blessing Muzarabani managed a solitary wicket but conceded 66 runs in his full quota. Sean Williams was economical with 43 runs off his 10 overs, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain Pakistan’s batters, especially during the final powerplay, where 102 runs were plundered. Pakistan’s well-rounded innings now places them in a strong position as they aim to clinch the series.
Here’s how fans reacted:
10 fours & 4 sixes, tons of Experience from the domestic circuit. Thoroughly deserving of applause! Maiden Century for Kamran Ghulam! 🔥 Hard work always pays off! 💯 #ZIMvPAK #Pakistan #PakistanCricket
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) November 28, 2024
A swipe for four off the back foot, and that will be a maiden ODI hundred for Kamran Ghulam 💯
He’s gotten there off 96 ball, and considering his first fifty runs took 59 deliveries, this effort is all the more impressive 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) November 28, 2024
MAIDEN ODI HUNDRED FOR KAMRAN!!
101 off 96 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes. He took charge against the spinners in the middle overs , A superb knock by him! pic.twitter.com/4KFlu0LneW
— junaiz (@dhillow_) November 28, 2024
What a knock by Kamran Ghulam 🔥
An innings full of intent, with shots all around the ground 👏
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) November 28, 2024
Kamran Ghulam 👏 #PAKvsZIM
Run a ball 100— iffi Raza (@Rizzvi73) November 28, 2024
Kamran Ghulam knows the art of batsmanship. Fantastic way to grab the opportunity in white ball cricket as well. #ZIMvsPAK
— Mohammad Aizaz (@SeedaBalla93) November 28, 2024
Kamran Ghulam>> Babar Azam 💯
Maiden ODI hundred by Kamran Ghulam 🔥
Great batting by him! A much needed century!#PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/P0YZ4nkvhm— Berzabb (@Berzabb) November 28, 2024
100 for Kamran Ghulam
– this is what is needed from new talent they need to grab their opportunities
-this is a start for him a batsman in the middle order that can play through the innings with big hitting when needed#pakvzim #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/BTsuBn3nLA
— kashif farid (@kash8778) November 28, 2024
Maiden one day hundred for Kamran Ghulam..
One month ago, he scored maiden test hundred against England in his first innings of test career 😳 👏
— Muhammad Umair (@mumairziaa) November 28, 2024
Maiden ODI hundred for Kamran Ghulam 💯#Cricket #ZIMvPAK #KamranGhulam #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/s2ThUuvIaI
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 28, 2024
Maiden ODI hundred for Kamran Ghulam and 9th of his List-A career.
He now has a Test Hundred and an ODI Hundred in just 6 innings across all formats for Pakistan.#ZIMvPAK
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) November 28, 2024
Kamran Ghulam lights up the game with a brilliant century against Zimbabwe! A masterclass in timing, patience, and power as he leads from the front. 💯👏 #KamranGhulam #Cricket #ZIMvPAK
— Muhammad Saqib Riaz (@iSaqibBaloch) November 28, 2024
