BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe: Pakistan opener Imam ul Haq scored his second international hundred as Pakistan reached 308 for 7 in the opening ODI against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Imam reached a career best 128, while Fakhar Zaman continued his good run of form with 60 and debutant Asif Ali cracked a rapid 46 in the middle order to boost Pakistan´s total.
Pakistan started slowly with the bat, Zimbabwe putting them in under grey, wintery skies.
With the new ball nipping around, Imam played and missed at several deliveries and was lucky to survive an edge off fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, the ball dropping just in front of second slip.
He did enough to survive, however, and with Fakhar scoring fluently Pakistan put on an opening stand of 113 in under 25 overs.
Fakhar eventually hit a return catch to debutant offspinner Liam Roche, but Imam shifted through the gears to bring up a 109-ball hundred in the 37th over.
Zimbabwe´s bowlers struck back at the death, picking up regular wickets to stall Pakistan´s charge.
Tendai Chatara and Donald Tiripano picked up two apiece, as Pakistan lost five wickets in the last 10 overs.
Asif Ali struck two sixes and four fours to ensure Pakistan passed 300 to set a challenging total.
Argentine player is unhappy with MLS sideline rule despite Inter Miami's victory
Argentine player was "always" part of David Beckham transfer plan at Inter Miami
"Winning will be only possible by playing with the modern and new style of T20 cricket," Naqvi tells players
Japan took the lead in the shootout after both teams scored two goals apiece at the end of full time
Al Nassr player's son adorns jersey of father's enemy club
Match will commence at 5:30 pm in Ipoh, Malaysia as both undefeated sides aim to secure coveted title
