Pakistan has taken an unassailable series lead over Zimbabwe after winning the second ODI in Rawalpindi by six wickets on Sunday.
The men from Africa won the toss at the start of play and decided to have a bat first, given some of the glimpses they showed in Friday’s opening encounter.
But, they found themselves under pressure early on in the innings with Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine and Brian Chari departing fairly cheaply as Zimbabwe fell to 59-3.
Star-batsman Brendon Taylor, fresh from his century on Friday, consolidated a bit of the innings by sharing a 61-run stand with Sean Williams.
Taylor departed for 36 before Williams reached a valuable half-century but regular wickets continued to fall with Pakistan bowler Iftikhar Ahmed in particular doing heavy damage to the Zimbabwe lower order.
Williams eventually was dismissed for 76 as Zimbabwe was bowled out for 206 in the 46th over of their innings, while Ahmed finished with figures of 5-40 in his ten overs.
Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abid Ali made a handy start to Pakistan’s run-chase before the latter departed for 22, which brought captain Babar Azam to the crease.
Azam patiently batted his way to a 16th ODI half-century as Pakistan took full control of proceedings.
The right-hander and Ahmed got their team over the line with 15 overs remaining in the innings as Pakistan wrapped up the series.
The final ODI will take place on Tuesday.
