Shoaib Malik’s brilliant fightback was foiled by bad light as Zimbabwe beat Pakistan by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method in a drama-filled second one-day international at Harare Sports Club on Saturday. Malik was left stranded on 96 not out having hauled Pakistan from 76 for six to 256 for eight chasing 277 for victory when the umpires took the players off the field with two overs remaining. The game had earlier been delayed by a brief rain shower, but the decision left the 33-year-old batsman furious as he was denied the opportunity to carry his team across the line. SCORECARD: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 2015, 2nd ODI at Harare
The result left the three-match series level ahead of Monday’s tour finale, and although Zimbabwe were breathing a sigh of relief after nearly letting the game slip, their victory represented a remarkable turnaround.
Under pressure after being rolled for 128 in an embarrassing defeat on Thursday, the home batsmen showed their capabilities in posting 276 for six, with Chamu Chibhabha anchoring the innings with a composed 90 and Elton Chigumbura adding the flourish with his brisk 67.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Pakistan were left to wonder whether they had underestimated their opponents in leaving out star performer Imad Wasim in order to give a debut to 30-year-old spinner Bilal Asif, who went wicketless as Zimbabwe took control of the game.
Chibhabha’s fifth half-century of the year led Zimbabwe’s much-improved effort, and included a 91-run stand with rookie Brian Chari and a 59-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Chigumbura.
(with inputs from AFP)