KANDY – Pakistan overcome the Pallekele fear beating Zimbabwe by 7 wickets in a rain-effected match.
Pakistan had to chase 162 in 38 overs, an adjusted target according to Duckworth-Lewis method due to unexpected stoppages caused by heavy rain.
Asad Shafiq, replacing injured Umar Akmal, played beautifully and calmly for his masterly crafted unbeaten 78 to led Pakistan to an easy victory with almost 4 overs to spare. Muhammad Hafeez also played a handy knock of 49 runs.
Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat. Pakistani pacers extracted help from early moisture from the pitch and never let Zimbabwe batsmen to get in control. Umar Gul, especially, bowled brilliantly and picked up three important wickets in quite quick succession.
Rain stopped the match twice and ultimately umpires had to end Zimbabwe innings when rain stopped the macth second time; Zimbabwe was playing at 151/7 in 39.4 overs. The target was adjusted accordingly and Pakistan managed to get it quite easily in the end.
With this victory Pakistan not only climbed up to second spot, with four wins in five matches having 8 points, in the Group ‘A’ but they are almost through to the quarterfinals. Pakistan will face defending champion Australia in their next match on March 19.
Hoping Pakistan Vs India match in the Upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
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