Captain Misbah-ul Haq scored a steady half-century and effected two crucial run-outs as Pakistan clinched the one-day series against Zimbabwe with a sizeable win in Saturday’s third and final match.
Misbah’s 67 proved to be the top score in the game as Pakistan posted a total of 260/6, before bowling Zimbabwe out in 40 overs to win by 108 runs and complete a 2-1 series victory.
The tourists made a circumspect start with openers Ahmed Shehzad and Nasir Jamshed putting on 66 for the first wicket at a sluggish pace, and the innings became stilted when Jamshed departed and Mohammad Hafeez was forced to retire hurt soon after.
Although Misbah appeared overly cautious in scoring just 16 from his first 45 deliveries, the tactic was vindicated as the stability it provided to Pakistan innings.