Usman Khan’s four-for restricts Zimbabwe to 194 against Pakistan in 2nd ODI

BULAWAYO: Batting first, host Zimbabwe set the target of 195 against Pakistan in second One Day International (ODI).

Zimbabwe finish with 194 thanks to battling half-centuries from Hamilton Masakadza and PJ Moor, while Usman Khan (4/36) and Hassan Ali (3/32) helped keep the total below 200.

Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to bat first

The chasm between Pakistan and Zimbabwe may make this five-match ODI series look meaningless: Pakistan grounded the hosts into the dust at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo in the first ODI, winning by a hefty margin of 201 runs. There was no resistance, no challenge, as the visitors drove the show.

For Pakistan, the series is part of building up for the 2019 World Cup, and they are well on track. The series provides them an opportunity to find constancy within their ODI squad. Opener Imam-ul-Haq, who struck his second hundred in only his fifth game, asserted his place. Along with Fakhar Zaman, he has provided stability in the top order. After a long time, Pakistan’s batting line-up looks dominant, while offering flexibility and depth.

Zimbabwe probably aren’t strong enough to stall Pakistan’s progress, but the young unknown side has a lot to offer. Zimbabwe are playing against a team that has all its bases covered, but their own biggest strength is that they are not under pressure and have nothing to lose. They had positives in the last game, with Tarisai Musakanda’s brief knock and debutant Ryan Murray’s unbeaten 32. Even with the ball, they managed to keep Pakistan’s run rate in check to some extent, after Pakistan had looked like they would get 350 at one stage.