Zimbabwe Stuns Pakistan with Historic 24-Run Test Victory
In a thrilling Test match played in Harare from September 3-7, 2013, Zimbabwe pulled off a remarkable 24-run victory over Pakistan, marking their first Test win against the Asian giants in over a decade.
Zimbabwe, batting first, posted a competitive 294 in their first innings, thanks to half-centuries from Brendan Taylor (51) and Hamilton Masakadza (75). Pakistan responded with 230, anchored by Younis Khan’s gritty 87, but Zimbabwe held onto a narrow lead.
In their second innings, Zimbabwe scored 199, setting Pakistan a target of 264 to chase. Despite Pakistan’s formidable batting lineup, they crumbled under pressure in the final innings.
Tendai Chatara emerged as Zimbabwe’s bowling hero, taking 5 wickets for 61 runs. Pakistan struggled against Zimbabwe’s disciplined attack, with only Misbah-ul-Haq showing resilience with a well-fought 79. However, Pakistan were bowled out for 239, falling short by 24 runs.
This victory was Zimbabwe’s third Test win over Pakistan, following earlier triumphs in 1995 in Harare and in Peshawar in 1998. It also prevented Pakistan from completing a clean sweep of the two-match series, as they had won the first Test by a massive 221 runs.
Zimbabwe’s stunning victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, and it marked a significant moment in their cricketing history.