Harare,July 4(TNS): Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 7 wickets in a clinical run-chase as they romped the target of 163 in the last over to clinch a berth in the final of the Tri-nation series.
Pakistan Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed who won the toss and elected to field first received a counter-attacking bashing from the Zimbabweans in the first six overs as Solomon Mire and Cephas Zhuwao put up a solid partnership of 49.
At one stage the looked to achieve a healthy first innings total of 180 but as wickets crumbled in the last 5 overs Zimbabwe were restricted to 162-4 by the Amir- led Pakistani bowling attack.
Pakistan, however did not look nervy in their runchase as expected as Fakhar bashed the bowlers with command and looked good for his 47 smashing 4 fours and a six.
Islamabad United’s young star Hussain Talat made a handy 44 as anchored the innings at one end.
But the innings which provided the impetus to the runchase was the knock of the skipper as Sarfraz thrashed the bowlers with authority scoring 38 off just 21 including 6 fours at Strike of 180.95.
Pakistan will now face Australia in the final of the Tri nation series on Sunday.
