Bad light sinks Pakistan's hope, as Zimbabwe level series

Bad light sinks Pakistan’s hope, as Zimbabwe level series: Zimbabwe v Pakistan, 2nd ODI, Harare : Its a victory finally! The visitors got sunken to a bitter defeat, as the series gets its life back at 1-1. A fighting 96 from Shoaib Malik was not enough to battle the host and light. Pakistan were floored at 17-3 at one stage, before Malik steadied the ship along with Hafeez. The hosts kept striking  at regular intervals, as the scoreboard read 193-8. The spectators started to pull on the high fives, but the unpredictable Pakistan were not dusted yet. Yamin found the situation to his liking and went after the white leather,splashing boundaries on all corners. Yasir Shah gave ample support, as the match kept slipping out from Zimbabwe’s grips. The veteran Malik used his composure to perfect effect, as he found the gaps at ease. A 63 runs unbeaten stand had no answer for the hosts, but then lights played its role through the course, and it was the perfect time to dent  visitors hopes. The crowd accepted the verdict, as the players waited to get back for the unfinished business. But then, the game of uncertainity had  the weather as decider today.

Earlier in the day,with plenty of grass on the track, Azhar Ali chose to field after calling the toss right. The strip  was expected to generate bounce and carry through the wicket. The punters expected a struggle from the hosts early on, but then cricket is played on field and not on papers. It was a treat to watch finally, as Zimbabwe broke the jinx and batted  with a certain amount of application. The crowd got something to cheer, as Chamu Chibhabha’s 90 and Elton Chigumbura’s quickfire 67 lifted the hosts to 276 for 6 in the second one-day international at Harare Sports Club.Chibhabha was at his best, striking the ball neat and clean through the fence. He was on the attack, and on occasions chipped in for ones and two’s. Chari on the other hand took his time to settle down , and waited for the bad balls. He played the perfect foil to an attacking Chibhabha, while capitalising from the initial phase.Chibhabha forge  a 91-run partnership with Brian Chari to set the record straight.  He added a further 59 for the fourth wicket with Chigumbura, as Zimbabwe looked to book the driver seat. Chibhabha’s stay at the crease ensured a healthy total for the hosts. Even though the batter struggled with a cramp as  the temperature kept on rising, Chibhabha found the gaps when needed, putting a price on his wicket. Zimbabwe made full use of the death overs, thanks to the crucial stand between Chigumbura and Raza. The skipper in particular was in a destructive mode, scoring run at a massive pace. Chigumbura’s innings wasn’t that prolific from the start, as the skipper was hit on the helmet by Riaz during the initial stage, but kudos to the man for breaking the shackles and sending the visitor’s on a leather hunt, as a  late blitz propelled the hosts to 276 in the allotted 50 overs.

Pakistan’s dismal run in the initial overs is a point to ponder on, as the visitors have lost their top three wickets in quick succession on every occasion in recent times. An all round effort from the host, acted as a perfect fight back for the series. Zimbabwe needs to work out the art of finishing, for this time, the country must thank their stars and cloud. This win sets up an exciting series decider on 5th of October , as the two teams will lock horns for one final time.

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe – 276/6 (50 overs) (Chibhabha 90, Chigumbura 67;  Riaz- 4/63)

Pakistan – 256/8 (48 overs) (Malik 96*, Yamin 62;  Panyangara 2/44)

Zimbabwe  won by 5 runs. (DL method)

Player of the match – E Chigumbura (Zimbabwe)