Poor team selection and sloppy batting were the reasons why Pakistan came so close to an embarrassing loss.
Pakistan faced Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three. It was expected that the stars from the recently finished National T20 cup will be given the chance to play against a rather weak side.
Pakistan decided otherwise and they stepped in the game with an experienced side all round. Pakistan batted first and scored 282 with the help of the lower middle order who scored 90 runs in the last ten overs. Haris Sohail and Imam-Ul-Haq were the top scorers with 71 and 58 runs respectively.
Pakistan was quick to dismiss zimbabwe’s openers but it was the next two batsmen who made life very hard for the Pakistani bowlers. After a lot of hard work, Craig Ervine was caught out on 41 runs but now it was Wesely Madhevere who stuck with the Zimbabwean wicket-keeper. He scored a brilliant 50.
It was until the 46th over it looked like Zimbabwe were headed to a historical victory against Pakistan when both set batsmen were dismissed. Pakistan then easily defeated Zimbabwe by 26 runs.
The man of the match was awarded to Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper for a brilliant 112. He scored the 17th century in all formats for his country and overtook Andy Flower for most centuries scored for his country.
Pakistan will now face Zimbabwe on 1st Nov for the 2nd ODI.
