Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 131 runs to take lead in the 3-match ODI series
Yasir Shah helped Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 131 runs in the first one-day international (ODI) of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. Shah took six wickets as Zimbabwe’s weak defence was revealed early while chasing 260 runs target posted by Pakistan.
After winnings the toss, Elton Chigumbura decided to bowl first. Pakistan started off slow and Zimbabwe's domination was visible after the visitors lost their top three batsmen in the first 10 overs itself.
It was the partnership of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik for the 4th wicket that brought Pakistan back in the game. They added 65 together before Malik got dismiss by Graeme Cremer on 31.
The wicket of Malik brought wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan on strike and he played a vital knock to rebuild the Pakistani innings. He scored a healthy 75 off just 74 deliveries which included four boundaries and two sixes.
Bowler Imad Wasim also merited on the occasion as he added 61 in the end to take the final tally of Pakistan's total to 259 for the loss of 6 wickets.
Wasim was also the first bowler to strike when Zimbabwe started their innings. He trapped Chamu Chibhabha in front of the leg and the home team were 23 for 1 after 9 overs.
Then came Shah and from the first over he bowled, it was all about him. Zimbabwean batsmen were playing as if they are first timer against the spin bowling.
Malik joined the party and helped Shah clear the Zimbabwean batting line-up as early as possible. Both the bowlers took 9 wickets together, but it was Shah's superb spin web that led the foundation of second innings disaster.
Zimbabwe were bowled out at 128 and Shah was honoured with the Man-of-the-Match award for his career-best 6 for 36 in his 9 overs spell.?