Pakistan win first ODI series at home since 2008

Azhar scores his second ODI century as hosts beat Zimbabwe in second ODI to win series.

CRICKET-PAK-ZIM
Azhar hit eight fours in his knock [EPA]

Captain Azhar Ali hit a century and led Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI for an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Ali, dropped on 53, scored career-best 102 off 104 balls in Pakistan’s solid run-chase of 269-4 with 16 balls to spare.

This is Pakistan’s first ODI series win at home since 2008 after having been unable to host international cricket at home since March 2009.

Ali featured in two half-century stands, adding 85 runs with Asad Shafiq (39) and a further 56 with Haris Sohail, who remained unbeaten on 52.

Earlier, Sikandar Raza scored an unbeaten 100 off 84 balls and Chamu Chibhabha missed out on his maiden hundred by one run as Zimbabwe posted 268 for seven off their quota.

Zimbabwe will round off their 13-day tour with the last ODI on Sunday.

Scorecard:

Zimbabwe 268-7 in 50 overs (Raza 100, Shah 2-40)

Pakistan 269-4 in 47.2 overs (Azhar 102, Cremer 2-52)

Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies