Zimbabwe win second-ever ODI Super Over to avoid Pakistan whitewash

Zimbabwe gain 10 World Cup Super League points in the process. The only other Super Over in ODI history, of course, came at Lord’s in last year’s World Cup final between England and New Zealand

Zimbabwe clinched victory in the final game of a three-match series against Pakistan, winning only the second Super Over in ODI history.

Pakistan forced extra time after Muhammad Musa hit the last delivery of the initial game in Rawalpindi for a boundary, with the hosts needing five runs to win.

The ball should have been stopped at extra cover, only for Tendai Chisoro to misfield, allowing Pakistan a second chance to complete a series whitewash in the Super Over.

However, former Northamptonshire seamer Blessing Muzarabani, who had earlier taken 5 for 49 from his 10 overs, bowled beautifully. He dismissed Iftikhar Ahmed with the first ball and Khushdil Shah with the fourth, only conceding two runs in the process, leaving the tourists just three runs to win.

Babar Azam, who had equalled his highest ODI score with an 11th century in the format during a chase of 278, did not emerge for the Super Over.

Needing just three to win in response, Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza took their side over the line with three balls remaining. Taylor took a single from the first ball and, after Raza had swung and missed at the second, he pushed the third delivery past Wahab Riaz at mid-off for the winning boundary. Zimbabwe gained 10 World Cup Super League points in the process.

The only other Super Over in ODI history, of course, came at Lord’s in last year’s World Cup final between England and New Zealand.

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