Zimbabwe Sunday set a target of 206 runs for Pakistan in the first ODI at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first, dismissing the hosts for 205 runs in just 41 overs, well short of the 50-over mark.
Zimbabwe's batting saw flashes of resilience, with Richard Ngarava achieving a career-best 48 runs.
Contributions from Sikandar Raza (39), Tadiwanashe Marumani (29), Sean Williams (23), and Brian Bennett (20) helped Zimbabwe post a competitive total.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings. Faisal Akram and Salman Ali Agha claimed three wickets each, while Haris Rauf, Amir Jamal, and Mohammad Hasnain picked up one wicket apiece. The match marked an important milestone for Pakistan, as debutants Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, and Amir Jamal earned their first ODI caps, bringing the number of cricketers to have represented Pakistan in ODIs to 247.
The target of 206 sets the stage for an exciting chase as Pakistan looks to take an early lead in the series.