PAK vs ZIM: 1st ODI – Pakistan overcome Brendan Taylor ton to ensure victory

Pakistan registered a 26-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first of the three-match ODI series being played in Rawalpindi. After posting 281/8 in their 50 overs, the home side managed to defend the total despite strong resistance from Zimbabwean batsmen. Shaheen Shah Afridi (5/49) and Wahab Riaz (4/41) produced sensational spells to clinch the victory for Pakistan.

Haris Sohail stands strong

Batting first, Pakistan were off to a solid start with the opener Imam-ul-Haq posting 58. Captain Babar Azam fell cheaply for 19 but that did not deter Pakistan’s hopes. While Zimbabwean bowlers kept taking regular wickets, Haris Sohail stood firm at the crease and guided his country towards a strong score. His knock of 71 was supported by all-rounders Faheem Ashraf (23 runs) and Imad Wasim (34 runs). For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Chisoro picked up two wickets each.

Shaheen and Wahab bowl Pakistan to win despite Taylor’s century#PAKvZIM 1st ODI Highlights: https://t.co/zhx4fZiDNa#HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/h82ih81X1f

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 30, 2020

Taylor-Madhevere keep the hopes alive

Zimbabwe’s reply was off to a poor start with Shaheen Shah Afridi wrecking the top order. He sent back Zimbabwean openers within the first 5 overs to expose their middle order. At 115/4 in 26 overs, Zimbabwe sparked a revival with Brendan Taylor and Wesley Madhevere (55 runs) leading the charge. The duo added 119 runs for the fifth wicket as they surged towards the target. Needing 48 runs off the last five overs, Zimbabwe were very much alive in the game. The left-arm pace duo of Afridi and Riaz ended all the hopes by taking 6 wickets in these final overs. Zimbabwe eventually fell way short of the target.

Brendan Taylor was adjudged as the player of the match for his spectacular knock of 112. These two teams will now meet on Sunday, 1st November to play the 2nd ODI of the series