Shah spins Pakistan to convincing win in series opener
Zimbabwe crumble against spin as tourists win opening ODI by 131 runs thanks to Shah’s career-best figures.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah picked up six wickets and wrecked Zimbabwe’s batting lineup as Pakistan cruised to a 131-run win in the opening ODI at the Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 128 in 37 overs after Pakistan had piled up 259 for six.
Keep reading
list of 4 itemsMohammad Amir among Pakistan’s T20 probables after retirement U-turn
Gujarat Titans stage late comeback to beat Mumbai Indians by six runs
Pakistan’s Imad Wasim comes out of retirement for T20 World Cup
A century partnership from Mohammad Rizwan and Imad Wasim set the touring side up for victory but it was the leg breaks of 29-year-old spinner Yasir that proved decisive.
The hosts had gained the upper hand in the morning by winning the toss and reducing Pakistan to 128 for five, but Rizwan and Wasim added 124 for the sixth wicket.
In Pictures: Preserving cricket’s history in a Dubai backyard
Rizwan scored a career-best 75 not out and Imad, run out for 61, struck a maiden international half-century.
Zimbabwe then lost wickets at regular intervals in their reply.
Sean Williams top-scored with 26 as Yasir returned his best ODI figures and off-spinner Shoaib Malik claimed three for 30.
The second game in the three-match series, all being played at the Harare Sports Club, is on Saturday.
Scorecard:
Pakistan 259-6 in 50 overs (Rizwan 75*, Nyumbu 1-39)
Zimbabwe 128 all out in 37 overs (Williams 26, Shah 6-26)