Fourth one-day International, Faisalabad: Pakistan 245-3 (47 overs) bt Zimbabwe 244 (49.5 overs) by seven wickets Yousuf's unbeaten 108 came in just 110 deliveries |
Mohammad Yousuf hit an unbeaten 108 to steer Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the fourth one-day international in Faisalabad. Chasing Zimbabwe's total of 244, Pakistan were on 66-2 before Yousuf and Shoaib Malik (88) combined for the match-winning 141-run stand. Earlier, skipper Malik took three wickets to dismiss Zimbabwe, who had Tatenda Taibu (51) as their top scorer. Pakistan's victory puts them 4-0 ahead in the five-match series. The final match takes place in Sheikhupura on Saturday. "As a team we are disappointed about losing four matches, but we are learning how to play spin in Pakistan and this experience will help us in future," stand-in skipper Hamilton Masakadza said. "I think 244 was not a bad total, but we have to improve our bowling."  | A win is more important than a personal milestone and I am happy with the team's consistency |
Masakadza decided to bat first after winning the toss but that decision backfired as his side slumped to 12-2. Taibu and Sean Williams (48) repaired the damage before they were both caught and bowled by Malik. Zimbabwe's total was boosted after Keith Dabengwa smashed 45 runs off 33 balls at the end of the innings, including 19 off the last over. Pakistan lost openers Nasir Jamshed and Khalid Latif by the 15th over with 66 runs on the board before Yousuf and Malik took control. Yousuf completed the 14th one-day century of his career, with a cover-driven boundary off Gary Brent but Malik was run out with Pakistan needing 38 runs to win in the last 10 overs. "I think it was my fault. A win is more important than a personal milestone and I am happy with the team's consistency," he said.
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