Published: May 27, 2015, 12:56 AM (IST)
Edited: May 27, 2015, 04:22 AM (IST)
Pakistan won the first of the three One-Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe at Lahore by 41 runs. They posted a strong total on board after electing to bat first and their bowlers overcame a fighting ton from Elton Chigumbura to ensure they lead the series 1-0. Zimbabwe also posted their highest ODI score against a Test playing nation, 334 for five.
Zimbabwe started the chase positively as Vusi Sibanda started hit two fours just at the start of the second over off Anwar Ali. But just when Zimbabwe were getting good momentum, Sikandar Raza clipped Anwar Ali to mid-wicket to leave Zimbabwe 56 for one at the end of ten overs. Wahab Riaz was bowling well and got good reward as Sibanda mistimed a pull back to him and Riaz took a simple catch. CRICKET UPDATES: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 2015, 1st ODI at Lahore
Hamilton Masakadza coming in at No. 3 was impressive and looked positive finding the fence at regular intervals between many dots. He and Chigumbura shared a 100-run stand. Masakadza brought up his 27th ODI fifty and looked in good control. Once Elton got his fifty as well, his 19th ODI fifty as both him and Masakadza started to hit out. Shoaib Malik struck when Masakadza holed out to mid-wicket trying to hit a maximum but found Hammad Azam.
Sean Williams came in and did hit a few to the fence but the required run rate was always going higher. They added 74-runs for the fourth wicket with both Williams and Chigumbura going for their shots. Riaz returned and snapped Williams with a good short ball. Chigumbura though carried on his merry way, finding gaps, scoring his maiden ODI ton. Chigumbura continued to hit and it was only when Riaz castled him that Pakistan would have heaved a sigh of relief. He scored a brilliant 117 though in 95 balls with ten fours and four sixes. Zimbabwe did not any chance after it and lost the game by 41 runs.
.@ChigumburaElton receiving a standing ovation, while the crowd chants his name #CricketComesHome #PAKvZIM @Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/9PRR32KuBx
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) May 26, 2015
Pakistan will be happy with the win, Zimbabwe got close thanks to the ton but were not quite in control. They batted well and Pakistan will want their bowlers to step up and bowl with more discipline as the series progresses. Zimbabwe would know they lost the game when they allowed Pakistan to post the massive total.
Earlier, Pakistan posted a record total on board, the highest ODI score on Pakistan soil, 375 for three thanks to two superb 150-plus run stands for Pakistan, which also happened for the first time for them in ODIs. They broke another record when all their top four batsmen scored at least a 50, which was also the first time for them. SCORECARD AND COMMENTARY: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 1st ODI at Lahore
Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez started the innings cautiously not taking many risks but grew in confidence as the innings progressed. Both of them scored fifties and shared a 170-run stand before Prosper Utseya brought Zimbabwe back in the game momentarily. Both of them missed out on their tons, Ali was caught at fine leg on 79 and Hafeez bowled for 86.
Haris Sohail and Malik then carried on the good work to build a partnership. Malik was the aggressor while Sohail was content on finding the gaps. Malik top scored for them, scoring his eight ODI ton and he never allowed any Zimbabwe bowler to settle down. Sohail scored his sixth ODI fifty and remained unbeaten on 89. Proper Utseya was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe, taking two for 63.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 375 for 3 in 50 overs (Mohammad Hafeez 86, Azhar Ali 79, Shoaib Malik 112, Haris Sohail 89; Prosper Utseya 2 for 63) beat Zimbabwe 334 for 5 in 50 overs (Hamilton Masakadza 73, Elton Chigumbura 117; Wahab Riaz 3 for 47, Shoaib Malik 1 for 33) by 41 runs.
Man of the Match: Shoaib Malik.
(Nikhil Popat is a cricket lover and a PotterHead. He can be followed on Twitter @CricCrazyNIKS)
