ZIM VS PAK, 4th ODI: Pakistan Thrash Zimbabwe; Fakhar Zaman Smashes Historic Double Ton

Pakistan thrashed Zimbabwe yet another time in the ongoing five-match One-day International series as they won the fourth ODI by a whopping margin of 244 runs courtesy a historic double century by Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman.

The aggressive southpaw literally toyed with the Zimbabwean bowling line-up as Pakistan registered a mammoth 399 on the board in their allotted 50 overs.

Wel, it was always going to be an impossible task for Zimbabwe. They were eventually bowled out for just 155 runs in the 43^rd over with teenage leg-spinner Shadab Khan being the pick of the bowlers with four wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who won the toss and opted to bat proved very fruitful. Imam-ul-Haq and Zaman produced a scintillating display of batsmanship and registered the highest opening partnership in ODI history. They shared a stand of 304 runs eclipsing the previous record held by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga of 286 runs which they registered in 2006 against England.

Both the left-handed batsmen looked in an ominous touch and literally tormented the Zimbabwe attack during their entertaining partnership.

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Fakhar smashes historic double:

Fakhar, in particular, was at his sublime best. He was quite severe on the off side and played some excellent shots towards the mid-wicket region. It was a special knock from the quality batter which saw him smashing 24 fours and five sixes. He eventually remained unbeaten on 210 off 156 deliveries.

Imam on the other hand also scored a brilliant century. He was dismissed on 113 off 122 deliveries which included eight fours.

The left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza was the only bowler who could bag a wicket for Zimbabwe. It was always going to be a massive task for the hosts. They were nowhere in the match and kept losing wickets at consistent intervals from the very beginning.

Exciting pacer Usman Khan Shinwari provided the first couple of wickets for Pakistan and from there on, Zimbabwe kept sliding down the barrel. Wickets kept falling and there was no way back for them. The target was always going to be a huge one.

However, Zimbabwe would have liked to get to a respectable total. It wasn’t to be in the end.

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The victory gives Pakistan a 4-0 lead and in all likelihood, they will complete a 5-0 thrashing in the final ODI.

As expected Zaman was handed over the Man of the Match award. During his tremendous knock, he went past the previous individual record of legendary Saeed Anwar. The former batsman scored 194 against India in Chennai way back in 1997.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan 399/1 in 50 overs (Fakhar Zaman 210*, Imam-ul-Haq 113, Wellington Masakadza 1/78)

Zimbabwe 155 all-out in 42.4 overs (Donald Tiripano 44, Shadab Khan 4/28)

Pakistan won by 244 runs.