Wasim whips Zimbabwe as Pakistan triumph

Wasim Akram ripped through Zimbabwe's batting to guide Pakistan to an emphatic win in the second one day international on Sunday.

Zimbabwe were 140 for six after 33 overs when rain ended the match. Pakistan, who totalled 344 for five after winning the toss and batting first, were declared winners by 104 runs according to the Duckworth Lewis method.

Stalwart left arm fast bowler Wasim Akram reduced Zimbabwe to 20 for four in the ninth over.

He trapped Stuart Matsikenyeri in front with the first ball the batsman had faced, the fourth of the innings, bowled Andy Flower for a third ball duck and Grant Flower off the edge for one, and had Barney Rogers caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for another duck.

Wasim Akram, who straightened the ball off the seam consistently, finished with four for 22 from seven overs.

Zimbabwe never had a realistic chance of winning after that, but an unbroken stand of 76 off as many balls for the seventh wicket between Tatenda Taibu and Sean Ervine earned them respectability.

Tatenda was 30 not out with Ervine's unbeaten 61 coming off 41 balls and featuring nine fours and two sixes.

Salim Elahi's career best 107, scored off 111 balls with 16 fours, dominated a partnership of 159 off 199 balls he shared with Taufeeq Umar for Pakistan's first wicket.

Mail Cricket Editor