ZIM vs PAK | Twitter buzzes as Blessing Muzarabani’s run-out dream is dashed by Tayyab Tahir’s timely block

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

Today at 5:18 PM

Strategic play and understanding the opposition can be effective, but sometimes intentional moves can frustrate the opponents. This was evident in the third ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan when Blessing Muzarabani was visibly angry after Tayyab Tahir’s block prevented a run-out opportunity.

Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, displayed impressive form, taking the score to 46/0 in nine overs after winning the toss. However, Faraz Akram broke the partnership in the 13th over by dismissing Ayub. Shafique and Kamran Ghulam steadied the innings with a solid 54-run stand, pushing the score to 106/1 in 23 overs. Shafique reached a half-century off 67 balls, but was dismissed shortly after by Sikandar Raza, leaving Pakistan at 115/2 in 26 overs. Ghulam, along with Rizwan, continued to build a strong partnership, taking the score to 186/2 in 38 overs. Rizwan was dismissed by Raza in the 40th over, but Ghulam persisted, reaching a magnificent maiden ODI century off 96 balls. After the dismissals of Ghulam and Salman Agha, a moment of tension unfolded between Blessing Muzarabani and Tayyab Tahir, adding some drama to the proceedings.

On the fifth ball of the 49th over, Muzarabani delivered a short-of-a-length delivery aimed at the middle stump. Aamer Jamal attempted to swing at the ball but missed, with the ball striking his thigh pad before rolling to the leg side. A moment of hesitation followed between the batters as Jamal stood his ground, but Tayyab Tahir sprinted toward the other end. Muzarabani, in his follow-through, gathered the ball but nearly collided with Tahir. Frustrated by Tahir’s block, Muzarabani raised both arms in anger. The umpire sensed the tension and asked Zimbabwean skipper Craig Ervine if they were appealing for a dismissal, but Ervine showed sportsmanship and decided against it. The dramatic exchange quickly caught the attention of Twitter, where fans erupted and discussed about the incident.

Things heating up

— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889)

Maiden century

Kamran Ghulam with a maiden 💯, guiding Pakistan to a strong total against Zimbabwe. | |
— Anwar Khan (@AnwarKhanKorai)

Break time

INNINGS BREAK! Pakistan post 303/6 in the 3rd ODI vs Zimbabwe!

Kamran Ghulam's MAIDEN ODI CENTURY (103) & Abdullah Shafique's 50 lead the charge! Pakistan finish strong, blasting 69 runs in the last 5 overs! Sikandar Raza (2/47) & Richard Ngarava (2/55) impress for ZIM!
— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official)

Brilliant

Pakistan have posted 303/6 in their innings against Zimbabwe 💥🏏

Zimbabwe need 304 runs to win 🎯tihwina here boyz dzangu 🎶🎶
— DZIVA🦈 (@CassianMalven)

Nice

Pakistan 303-6 Against Zimbabwe IN 3rd ODI
— NEERAJ HK (@HkNeeraj)

Good

Pakistan set Zimbabwe a target of 304 🎯 📝
— TajalNoor (@tajal_noor)

Maiden

Kamran Ghulam's maiden ODI ton powers Pakistan to post 303-6 against Zimbabwe
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts)

The other time

All of Pakistan's Top 6 batters scored at least 29 today vs Zimbabwe; only the 2nd such instance for Pakistan in ODIs.

The other time it happened was vs Sri Lanka in 2015 (Ahmed 44, Azhar 49, Hafeez 54, Sarfaraz 77, Malik 42* & Rizwan 35*). Pakistan won that game.
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi)

Big task