ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Pool B match in Brisbane in caricatures

Pakistan faced Zimbabwe in an almost must-win game, not only to lift their morale but also to register their first points in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Both teams were playing this match after suffering heavy defeats at the hands of West Indies in their previous encounters of the tournament. The Pool B fixture took place in Brisbane on Sunday.

Pakistan had won the toss and chose to bat first. The big news was the dropping of Younis Khan after a poor run in the tournament so far. Pakistan lost two quick wickets at the start before Haris Sohail (27) and Misbah-ul-Haq (73) stitched a 54-run partnership for the third wicket. The 68-run partnership between Misbah and Umar Akmal (33) steadied their ship but they soon found themselves six down for 155 runs in the 39th over. The sevent-wicket partnership of 47-runs between Misbah and Wahab Riaz (54*), aided them to put up a respectable total of 235 runs for seven wickets in 50 overs. Wahab and Misbah’s crucial half-centuries gave the Pakistani bowlers a target to defend.  The Zimbabwe bowlers had a good day with the ball as Tendai Chatara (three for 35) was the pick of the bowlers along with Sean Williams (two for 48) providing the able support. However, they suffered a setback when captain Elton Chigumbura was injured and had to limp off the field but later on came back to bat for the team. (ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Points Table)

It was steady and watchful chase from the Zimbabwe and at one point of time they looked well on their way to defeat Pakistan. But they kept on losing wickets at the important juncture of their innings which resulted in a 20-run defeat. The third and fourth wicket partnerships of 52-runs and 54-runs between Hamilton Masakadza (29) and Brendon Taylor (50) and then Taylor and Sean Williams (33), respectively, kept Zimbabwe in the game. But once they got out, it was all but over. Captain Chigumbura (35) played a handy innings, but couldn’t see them cross the finish line. Pakistan’s pacers Mohammad Irfan (four for 30) and Wahab Riaz (four for 45) were the main destroyer as Zimbabwe were all out for 215 in 49.4 overs. Wahab Riaz was declared the Man of the Match for his all-round show: unbeaten 54 runs and four for 45 runs.

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The win gives Pakistan their first of the tournament as they moved up to sixth position on the points table but still behind Zimbabwe who sits at fifth position on the points table. But Zimbabwe has played four matches while Pakistan has played only three till now. Pakistan next plays United Arab Emirates on March 4 while Zimbabwe faces Ireland on March 7.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 235 for seven in 50 overs (Misbah-ul-Haq 73, Wahab Riaz 54*, Umar Akmal 33; Tendai Chatara 3-35, Sean Williams 2-48) bt Zimbabwe 215 all out in 49.4 overs (Brendon Taylor 50, Elton Chigumbura 35, Sean Williams 33; Mohammad Irfan 430, Wahab Riaz 4-45)— by 20 runs