ZCZC
BSP-18
CRICKET-ZIM-PAK
Imam Ul Haq hits century as Pakistan set Zimbabwe target of 309
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, July 13, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Pakistan opener Imam ul Haq
scored his second international hundred as Pakistan reached 308 for 7 in the
opening ODI against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Imam reached a career best 128, while Fakhar Zaman continued his good run
of form with 60 and debutant Asif Ali cracked a rapid 46 in the middle order
to boost Pakistan’s total.
Pakistan started slowly with the bat, Zimbabwe putting them in under grey,
wintery skies.
With the new ball nipping around, Imam played and missed at several
deliveries and was lucky to survive an edge off fast bowler Blessing
Muzarabani, the ball dropping just in front of second slip.
He did enough to survive, however, and with Fakhar scoring fluently
Pakistan put on an opening stand of 113 in under 25 overs.
Fakhar eventually hit a return catch to debutant offspinner Liam Roche, but
Imam shifted through the gears to bring up a 109-ball hundred in the 37th
over.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struck back at the death, picking up regular wickets to
stall Pakistan’s charge.
Tendai Chatara and Donald Tiripano picked up two apiece, as Pakistan lost
five wickets in the last 10 overs.
Asif Ali struck two sixes and four fours to ensure Pakistan passed 300 to
set a challenging total.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1816 hrs