The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan head-to-head in ODI cricket has been dominated by Pakistan over the years. The two teams have faced each other 65 times in men’s ODI cricket, with Pakistan winning 56 matches and Zimbabwe winning 6. Two matches ended without a result, while one match was tied.
Despite Pakistan’s overwhelming overall advantage, Zimbabwe have produced some memorable performances against their more experienced opponents. The most recent ODI series between the teams, played in November 2024, demonstrated exactly that. Zimbabwe won the opening match by 80 runs under the DLS method, but Pakistan responded by winning the next two games to take the series 2-1.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Head-to-Head Record | Zimbabwe | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 65 | 65 |
| Wins | 6 | 56 |
| Losses | 56 | 6 |
| Ties | 1 | 1 |
| No Result | 2 | 2 |
| Win Percentage* | 9.23% | 86.15% |
*Win percentage calculated from total matches played, including matches without a result in the denominator. Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Head-to-Head in ODI
Pakistan’s record is remarkably strong, having won 56 of 65 matches. Zimbabwe have managed only six victories.
Recent ODI Series: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 2024
The most recent men’s ODI meetings came during Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe in November 2024. The three-match series was played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe won the first match, but Pakistan won the next two and secured the series.
1st ODI – Zimbabwe won by 80 runs
The opening ODI on 24 November 2024 produced a major upset.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 205 in 40.2 overs. Pakistan’s chase was badly affected by rain and they reached only 60/6 in 21 overs before the match was decided by the DLS method.
Zimbabwe therefore won by 80 runs. Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match for his important contribution with bat and ball.
The victory gave Zimbabwe an early 1-0 lead and demonstrated that they could still challenge Pakistan despite their inferior overall head-to-head record.
2nd ODI – Pakistan won by 10 wickets
Pakistan responded emphatically in the second ODI on 26 November 2024.
Zimbabwe were dismissed for just 145 runs, after which Pakistan chased the target without losing a wicket. Pakistan reached 148/0, winning by 10 wickets.
The result levelled the series at 1-1 and put Pakistan back in control.
3rd ODI – Pakistan won by 99 runs
The deciding ODI was played on 28 November 2024.
Pakistan produced an outstanding batting performance, scoring 303/6. Zimbabwe were then dismissed for 204, giving Pakistan a 99-run victory.
Pakistan therefore won the three-match series 2-1.
Saim Ayub was one of Pakistan’s standout performers during the series, finishing as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer with 155 runs. Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha were among Pakistan’s leading wicket-takers, each taking six wickets across the ODI series.
Pakistan’s Dominance in the Rivalry
Pakistan’s 56 ODI victories against Zimbabwe demonstrate a significant difference between the two teams historically.
Pakistan have generally possessed greater batting depth, more experienced international players and a stronger bowling attack. Their ability to adapt to different conditions has also helped them dominate the fixture.
The geographical distribution of the victories further illustrates Pakistan’s success. Pakistan have recorded wins at home, in Zimbabwe and at neutral venues.
Zimbabwe, however, have performed better when playing in familiar home conditions. Their 2024 victory in Bulawayo showed that home advantage can still play an important role in this contest.
Zimbabwe’s Six ODI Victories
Zimbabwe have defeated Pakistan only six times in their 65 ODI meetings.
Although the number is relatively small, several of these victories have been memorable. Zimbabwe’s success has usually come when their bowlers have managed to put Pakistan’s batting under pressure and their middle order has successfully handled Pakistan’s attack.
The 24 November 2024 victory was particularly notable because Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs under the DLS method. It was their latest ODI victory over Pakistan.
The Famous 2020 ODI Tie
One of the most interesting matches in the rivalry occurred on 3 November 2020 in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan scored 278/9, while Zimbabwe also finished on 278/6, resulting in a tie.
The match then went to a one-over eliminator, which Zimbabwe won. As a result, the match is recorded as a tied ODI in the head-to-head statistics, while Zimbabwe won the Super Over.
This remains one of the most dramatic encounters between the two sides.
Pakistan’s Strong Batting Tradition
Pakistan have traditionally produced high-quality ODI batsmen, and their performances against Zimbabwe have frequently been decisive.
Players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Saim Ayub have contributed to Pakistan’s success in different periods.
Pakistan’s batting strength has often allowed them to either build large totals or chase targets efficiently. The 2024 series demonstrated this contrast: Zimbabwe successfully defended a modest total in the rain-affected first ODI, but Pakistan dominated the batting in the third ODI by reaching 303/6.
Zimbabwe’s Key Players
Zimbabwe have also had several outstanding players who have made an impact against Pakistan.
Sikandar Raza is one of Zimbabwe’s most important modern all-rounders. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him particularly valuable against strong opposition. He was Player of the Match in Zimbabwe’s 2024 ODI victory over Pakistan.
Sean Williams has also been an important part of Zimbabwe’s batting for many years. During the 2024 ODI series, he scored 78 runs and remained one of Zimbabwe’s key experienced players.
Other notable Zimbabwean players from different eras include Brendan Taylor, Andy Flower, Grant Flower and Heath Streak.
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe in 2020
Before the 2024 series, the teams last played an ODI series in Pakistan in October-November 2020.
Pakistan won the first ODI by 26 runs and the second by six wickets. The third match ended in a tie, with Zimbabwe winning the subsequent one-over eliminator.
Pakistan therefore won the series 2-1, but Zimbabwe’s performance in the tied third ODI provided one of the biggest talking points of the tour.
Pakistan’s Highest ODI Total Against Zimbabwe
Pakistan have produced several huge scores against Zimbabwe.
One of the most impressive recent totals came in the 2018 ODI series, when Pakistan scored 399/1 in Bulawayo. It remains one of the biggest team totals in this head-to-head. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 155, giving Pakistan a massive 244-run victory.
That match demonstrated the enormous difference between Pakistan’s batting performance and Zimbabwe’s bowling attack on that occasion.
Zimbabwe’s Highest ODI Total Against Pakistan
Zimbabwe have also managed competitive totals against Pakistan.
Their ability to score above 250 has occasionally allowed them to put pressure on Pakistan, particularly when their bowlers have subsequently found assistance from the pitch.
However, Pakistan’s greater consistency has meant that Zimbabwe have struggled to turn strong batting performances into victories on a regular basis.
Home Advantage
Home conditions have played an interesting role in the rivalry.
Pakistan have enjoyed considerable success when playing at home, while Zimbabwe have recorded their victories mainly in conditions familiar to their players.
The 2024 series in Bulawayo was a good example. Zimbabwe won the opening match at Queens Sports Club, but Pakistan quickly adjusted to the conditions and won the next two games.
This suggests that while home advantage can help Zimbabwe compete, Pakistan’s greater depth has generally allowed them to recover from difficult situations.
Key Difference Between the Teams
The biggest difference between Zimbabwe and Pakistan in ODI cricket has historically been consistency.
Zimbabwe have shown that they can defeat Pakistan when everything comes together. Their 2024 victory and 2020 tied match are examples of their ability to compete.
Pakistan, however, have been much more consistent across the full history of the rivalry. Winning 56 out of 65 matches is evidence of their long-term superiority.
Pakistan’s stronger bench strength, international experience and ability to produce match-winning performances in all departments have helped them maintain that advantage.
Future of the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan ODI Rivalry
The rivalry could become more competitive if Zimbabwe continue developing their young players.
Zimbabwe have shown in recent years that they can compete with major cricket nations, particularly in home conditions. Players such as Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams have provided experience, while younger players are gradually taking on larger roles.
Pakistan, meanwhile, continue to possess a deep pool of talented players. Their challenge will be to maintain consistency while developing younger cricketers.
Future bilateral series could therefore provide Zimbabwe with opportunities to reduce Pakistan’s huge head-to-head advantage.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan head-to-head in ODI cricket is heavily dominated by Pakistan. Out of 65 official ODI meetings, Pakistan have won 56, while Zimbabwe have won 6. Two matches produced no result and one finished as a tie.
The most recent ODI series, played in Zimbabwe in November 2024, was more competitive than the overall statistics suggest. Zimbabwe won the opening match by 80 runs through the DLS method, but Pakistan responded strongly by winning the second ODI by 10 wickets and the third by 99 runs. Pakistan consequently won the series 2-1.
While Pakistan remain the clear favourites based on historical records, Zimbabwe have repeatedly demonstrated that they can cause an upset. Their victory in the first ODI of the 2024 series and their famous 2020 tied match show that this fixture can produce exciting cricket.
5 FAQs: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Head-to-Head in ODI
1. How many ODIs have Zimbabwe and Pakistan played?
Zimbabwe and Pakistan have played 65 ODI matches. Pakistan have won 56, while Zimbabwe have won 6. Two matches had no result and one was tied.
2. Who has won more ODIs between Zimbabwe and Pakistan?
Pakistan have a dominant record, winning 56 of the 65 matches played between the teams.
3. When did Zimbabwe last defeat Pakistan in an ODI?
Zimbabwe’s most recent ODI victory over Pakistan came on 24 November 2024, when they won by 80 runs under the DLS method in Bulawayo.
4. Who won the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan ODI series in 2024?
Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1. Zimbabwe won the first ODI, while Pakistan won the second and third matches.
5. Has Zimbabwe ever tied an ODI against Pakistan?
Yes. The third ODI in Rawalpindi on 3 November 2020 ended in a tie at 278 runs each. Zimbabwe then won the one-over eliminator.