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Third ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe abandoned

June 01, 2015 10:40 IST

A fan holds up a banner during the 3rd ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on Sunday

A fan holds up a banner during the 3rd ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe on Sunday. Photograph: @ZimCricketv/Twitter

The third and final One-Day International of the ongoing bilateral series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was marred by rain and subsequently the match had to be abandoned due to persistent showers in Lahore on Sunday.

- Scorecard

Zimbabwe, chasing a target of 297 to win, were 62-0 at the end of the eighth over when a power failure in a floodlight tower and a heavy sandstorm forced the players to walk off the field at Gaddafi Stadium.

The teams came back for one over during which Zimbabwe, chasing a revised target of 281 in 46 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, added eight more runs without losing a wicket.

A heavy downpour then forced the players off once more before the umpires called off the match as rain continued to fall.

Earlier, Pakistan had set Zimbabwe a tough target of 297

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan got off to a strong start, with openers Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali posting more than hundred runs. The visitors were unable to find any answers to their superb batting and desperate for a breakthrough, when Ali was run out. Thereafter, Zimbabwe's bowlers exerted good pressure and managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals.

However, a 23-ball 38 by an unbeaten Anwar Ali saw the hosts post a commanding total of 296 for the loss of 9 wickets at the end of 50 overs.

Sikandar Raza was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers, picking up three wickets for the loss of 59 runs, including the all-important wicket of Hafeez.

Pakistan has already won the three match series 2-0.

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