NEW DELHI: Kamran Ghulam slammed his first one-day international hundred as Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 99 runs in Bulawayo on Thursday, clinching the series 2-1.
His innings of 103 contributed to Pakistan's total of 303-6 in 50 overs at Queens Sports Club. Zimbabwe struggled throughout their chase and were dismissed for 204 in 40.1 overs.
The victory marked Pakistan's 56th win against Zimbabwe in 65 ODI encounters.
After suffering an 80-run defeat in a rain-affected opening match last Sunday, Pakistan responded with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory two days afterwards.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said: "I am proud because we lost the first game and expectations from the country were high.
"We came back to win the series and that has given us confidence. Away matches are always difficult, always different from home."
Following their successful toss, Pakistan batted first. After Saim Ayub's dismissal at 58, Ghulam dominated proceedings.
The number three batsman started cautiously before increasing his scoring rate, establishing a 54-run partnership with Abdullah Shafique for the second wicket.
Shafique, having reached fifty, attempted a sweep shot unsuccessfully and was given out leg before to Pakistan-born all-rounder Sikandar Raza. His 68-ball innings included one six and five fours.
Ghulam continued his impressive batting display with various partners, hitting four sixes and 10 fours from 99 balls before being caught at deep cover by Clive Madande off Richard Ngarava, becoming Pakistan's fourth wicket.
Raza and Ngarava claimed two wickets each for Zimbabwe, but conceded 102 runs collectively. Pakistan scored heavily in the final five overs, adding 69 runs.
Zimbabwe's chase started poorly, losing Joylord Gumbie and Dion Myers with only 10 runs scored.
Captain Craig Ervine scored 51 from 63 deliveries, including six boundaries and one six, before playing on to his stumps from an Aamer Jamal bouncer.
Raza, typically Zimbabwe's key player, was dismissed by Jamal for 16, caught at deep square leg after mistiming a short delivery.
Zimbabwe and Pakistan commence a three-match Twenty20 international series in Bulawayo on Sunday, after which Pakistan travels to South Africa for an eight-match multi-format tour, including two Tests.
