Pakistan demolishes Zimbabwe

SHARJAH, OCT. 29. Pakistan outplayed Zimbabwe by 106 runs in the Champions Trophy here on Sunday, sending the Africans crashing to its 13th successive one-day defeat.

Pakistan plundered the listless attack to pile up 279 for six from 50 overs and then shot Zimbabwe out for 173 in a disappointing match at the Sharjah cricket stadium.

Faced with a stiff victory target of 5.6 runs an over under lights, Zimbabwe collapsed like a pack of cards with the only notable contributions coming from Andy Flower (51) and Stuart Carlisle (43).

Zimbabwe, 84 for two at one stage, lost its remaining eight wickets for 89 runs - the last six falling for the addition of just 42 runs. Zimbabwe was reduced to 146 for nine, before Heath Streak and last man Travis Friend delayed the inevitable.

Off-spinner Shoaib Malik claimed three for 42 and leg- spinner Afridi chipped in with two as the slow bowlers eclipsed the dreaded pace trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.

The spinners took over after Waqar and Wasim removed openers Grant Flower and Douglas Marillier at the score of five.

Carlisle and Andy Flower added 79 for the third wicket, but the lower order undid the good work against the steady and penetrative attack.

After the first round of matches, Sri Lanka leads the table with two wins, followed by Pakistan with one. Each team plays the other twice in the league, with the top two advancing to the final on November 4. The second leg starts on Tuesday after a day's rest with Sri Lanka taking on Zimbabwe.

- AFP

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