ZIM Vs PAK, 5th ODI: Pakistan Whitewash Zimbabwe Courtesy Another All-Round Performance

As expected Pakistan completed a 5-0 whitewash over Zimbabwe as they thrashed them yet again by a big margin of 131 runs on Sunday (June 21).

Imam-ul-Haq continued his dream run and scored back-to-back centuries while Fakhar Zaman followed up the double century with sensational 85.

Babar Azam also registered century as Pakistan put a huge total of 364 for four in their allotted 50 overs. Zimbabwean team was aware that it would be more or less impossible to chase the total down.

Hence, they decided to just spend their time out in the middle. In the end, they scored 233 in their 50 overs losing just four wickets.

It was Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who won the toss and opted to bat. The openers carried on from their world-record partnership and shared yet another massive stand of 168 runs.

The openers struck some exceptional shots. Imam like the other day was quite sedated in his approach in the beginning. Fakhar also smashed the Zimbabwe bowlers all around the park. The southpaw smashed 10 fours and a six during his knock of 85 off 83 deliveries.

Imam and Babar smash centuries:

After Zaman’s dismissal, it was Imam and Babar, who carried on the wonderful batsmanship. Babar, in particular, was at his smashing best and kept finding the gaps on a regular basis. He stroked his way to a brilliant century.

The duo shared a 77-run stand before the dismissal of Imam. Babar, on the other hand, remained not out on 106 off 76 deliveries. His innings was studded with nine fours and a couple of sixes.

Zimbabwe openers Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Hamilton Masakadza shared a 66-run stand. However, the runs weren’t coming at a pace as per the requirement. The target of 365 was always going to be a tall task for Zimbabwe.

Both scored 34 each and were dismissed in quick succession. Zimbabwe was never in the chase despite not losing wickets. Ryan Murray and Peter Moor scored 40-odd runs. However, it was never going to be enough.

The Pakistan bowlers were very economical and didn’t give any big runs to the opposition batters. Eventually, they batted out the 50 overs scoring only 233 runs. Mohammad Nawaz and Hasan Ali were the wicket-takers for Pakistan bagging a couple each.

Brief Scores

Pakistan 364/4 in 50 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 110, Babar Azam 106*, Fakhar Zaman 85, Liam Nicholas Roche 1/65)

Zimbabwe 233/4 in 50 overs (Ryan Murray 47, Peter Moor 44*, Mohammad Nawaz 2/47, Hasan Ali 2/55)

Pakistan won by 131 runs and eventually the series 5-0