Harare
Seamer Shaheen Afridi took a career best five for 52 as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 147 runs early on the fourth day of the second Test at Harare Sports Club on Monday.
It was the fourth successive series win for Pakistan on a southern Africa tour. Pakistan needed just one wicket at the start of the day and it took a little over 20 minutes for Shaheen to induce an edge from Luke Jongwe (37) to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, wrapping up the contest as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 231 in their second innings.
Pakistan won the first Test by an innings and 116 runs and have now completed a comprehensive series victory, which followed limited overs success in South Africa.
The tourists had elected to bat and posted a massive 510 for eight declared, boosted by a maiden double-ton for opener Abid Ali, who spent almost 11 hours at the crease for his 215.
Seamer Hasan Ali claimed 5-27 in Zimbabwe’s reply, skittling the home side for 132, before Nauman Ali (5-86) and Shaheen did the damage with the ball in the follow-on innings, claiming all the wickets to fall.
Only Regis Chakabva (80) and stand-in skipper Brendan Taylor (49) offered much resistance to the Pakistan victory charge, with most of the damage done on the third day when the visitors picked up 15 wickets.
Pakistan’s pacer Hasan Ali was happy after leading his side to Test series victory against Zimbabwe.
Hasan bagged 14 wickets during the series at an average of 8.92, including two five-wicket hauls. His exceptional performance with the ball helped him secure the player of the series award as well.
Speaking after the match, Hasan vowed to keep performing consistently while also praising other members of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
“First I would like to thank almighty Allah. It’s been a good tour for me. The pitch wasn’t good for bowling, getting slower every day.
But the plan was simple, keep bowling stump to stump and let the batsmen make mistakes.
Whenever you execute well, it’s a pleasurable moment for me,” said Hasan during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“I want to thank other bowlers who were doing good and supporting me as well, Shaheen and Nauman Ali bowling very well in the second innings as well.
I’m very happy. I had hard work in the previous one year. It is paying off and I’m looking forward to continue this performance for my team,” he added.
Pakistan won the second Test, in Harare, by an innings and 147 runs and clean swept the two-match series.—Reuters
