Akram’s fifty gives Shaheens close win over Zimbabwe Select in third one-day

HARARE: All-rounder Qasim Akram played a heroic knock of 57 not out to steer Pakistan to a narrow win against Zimbabwe Select in the third match of the six-game one-day series on Sunday.  

Shaheens were five runs ahead of the target as per the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method when bad lights stopped the play at the Harare Sports Club.

Chasing 279 runs, Shaheen scored 263/8 in 46.5 overs with the help of excellent knocks from Akram and wicket-keeper Haseebullah Khan, who made 49 from 60 balls.

Akram, however, held the fort and scripted a sensational comeback for his side after the hosts reduced Shaheens to 169/6 in the 34th over.

He gathered 68 runs with fellow spinner Mubasir Khan (30) on the seventh wicket and continued to play his shots despite fading lights.

Earlier, Sean Williams’ played an excellent knock of 78 runs to help Zimbabwe Select post a massive 279-run target.

Electing to bowl first, Shaheens were unable to contain runs despite an electrifying start given by Shahnawaz Dahani in his very first over.

He dismissed opener Joylord Gumbie on a paltry one and went on to take three more wickets to finish with brilliant figures four for 43 in his full quota of 10 overs. 

All-rounder Aamer Jamal, on the other hand, bagged three wickets while offering 60 runs to keep the hosts below 300.

For Zimbabwe, Williams top-scored with his 59-ball 78 which included six fours and three maximums.

Tadiwanashe Marumani (29), Wessly Madhevere (41) and Craig Ervine (29) also chipped in with useful contributions at the top. 

Meanwhile, skipper Hamilton Masakadza (18), wicketkeeper Clive Madande (22)  and Faraz Akram (19*) also put up resistance in the lower order to maintain Zimbabwe Select’s dominance over Shaheens’ bowlers.