Zimbabwe stun Pakistan to take 1-0 lead

Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, winning comprehensively by 7 wickets at Harare.

It was quite a resounding and encouraging performance from the zimbabwean point-of-view, considering the state of cricket in Zimbabwe. As for Pakistan, they would like to recover from this shock loss.

Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. It was the same old story as far as the Pakistan batting is concerned. None except the captain Misbah-Ul-Haq and Mohmmad Hafeez managed to make any impact, as they were restricted for a partly score of 244.

Tendai Chatara was the pick among the bowlers, taking two wickets for the loss of 32 runs. Vitori and Utseya also chipped in with timely wickets.

The Zimbabwean chase could not have started off with a more positive note, as Masakadza and Sibanda notched in with well-constructed fifties. The opening partnership of 107 runs laid the foundation of the chase. After the openers fell, captain Brendon Taylor and Sean Williams took up the task to finish of the match. Sean scored 39 of just 23 balls, as Zimbabwe chased down the target with 10 balls and 7 wickets to spare.

This was the 100th ODI Zimbabwe was playing at the Harare. And there could not be a more deserving end to it.

Masakadza was declared man of the match for his well-played 85.

Now Zimbabwe would look to wrap up things by scoring a victory in 2nd ODI,while Pakistan would like to bounce back.