Pakistani Shaheens beat Zimbabwe Select to stay alive in the series

 In a bid to stay alive in the six-match series, the Pakistan Shaheens emerged victorious against the Zimbabwe Select team, defeating them by a substantial margin of 177 runs in the fifth one-day international held in Harare.

 Although the hosts still lead the series 3-2, with one game remaining.

Opting to chase a target of 315 runs, Zimbabwe Select struggled from the start as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Shahnawaz Dahani made an early breakthrough in the fourth over of the second innings, dismissing Innocent Kaia for 7. The Zimbabwean team failed to gain control of the chase as Dahani claimed his second wicket by removing Wessly Madhevere for 15 in his fourth over. Aamer Jamal contributed to the downfall of the hosts' batting lineup by dismissing skipper Sean Williams for 15 in the subsequent over.

After being sidelined in the last two games, Mehran Mumtaz made a strong comeback, taking the crucial wickets of Sikandar Raza (9) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (19) in a single over. Milton Shumba's stay at the crease was also short-lived as he fell lbw to Mohammad Ali for 14. Qasim Akram joined the bowling attack in the 26th over and started impressively, bowling a maiden over and dismissing Brandon Mavuta for 3. Akram struck again in his third over, claiming the wicket of Luke Jongwe, caught by Hussain Talat for 3. Despite Clive Madande's unbeaten knock of 41 runs, Zimbabwe Select were eventually bowled out for 137 runs.

Shahnawaz Dahani and Qasim Akram shone with the ball, both picking up three wickets, while Mehran Mumtaz secured two wickets to contribute to the team's victory.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan Shaheens were asked to bat first and posted an impressive total of 314 runs for the loss of six wickets. The opening pair of Imran Butt and Haseebullah Khan provided a strong foundation with a remarkable partnership of 139 runs. Imran Butt played a solid knock of 64 runs from 65 deliveries, including seven fours and one six, while Haseebullah Khan also displayed excellent batting skills, scoring 62 runs from 77 deliveries, including nine boundaries.

Zimbabwe Select managed to make a breakthrough in the 24th over, dismissing Imran Butt (64) through a brilliant run-out executed by Clive Madande. Shortly after, Haseebullah Khan (62) was also sent back to the pavilion by Sikandar Raza in the same over. Omair Bin Yousuf, who showcased a remarkable innings of 153 runs in the previous match, continued his outstanding form by remaining unbeaten on 89 runs from 87 deliveries, including seven fours and one six.

Despite facing challenges, Rohail Nazir (16), Kamran Ghulam (12), skipper Hussain Talat (7), and Qasim Akram (13) were unable to make significant contributions during the crucial phase of the game. However, all-rounder Aamer Jamal played a vital role in supporting Omair Yusuf towards the end, finishing unbeaten on 24 runs from 18 balls, which included two fours and one six.

Brandon Mavuta claimed two wickets, conceding 39 runs in his spell, while Sikandar Raza and Luke Jongwe each took one wicket for Zimbabwe Select.