Pakistan v Zimbabwe, 5th ODI, Sheikhupura

Pakistan 187 for 3 (Younis 63, Manzoor 50) beat

Zimbabwe 181 (Taylor 49, Chigumbura 34, Rauf 3-45) by seven wickets

A new-look Pakistan, without a handful of senior players, drove Zimbabwe into the ground with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the final one-dayer in Sheikhupura to clean sweep the Mobilink Cup 5-0. The overcast and bitterly cold conditions didn't faze debutant Khurram Manzoor and Younis Khan as they chased down a meagre target of 182 with 19 overs to spare.

The win was set up by Pakistan's sprightly young bunch - which included four debutants - who showed exemplary commitment in the field to keep Zimbabwe in check for much of their innings. The overcast conditions were tailor-made, it seemed, even for Pakistan's untested seam-bowling attack, and Hamilton Masakadza's decision to bat first was perplexing. After a top order wobble, Zimbabwe were lifted by a rearguard from Elton Chigumbura and Brendan Taylor, but couldn't sustain the momentum as Pakistan quickly clawed back to shoot them out for a woefully inadequate score.

Sharp reflexes - a refreshing change from earlier games - handed Pakistan their early wickets as Abdur Rauf managed to hang on to a low return catch, literally off his toes. Debutant Rizwan Ahmed's athleticism contributed to the next two wickets, first running out Vusi Sibanda with a fiery throw to the wicketkeeper from deep backward square-leg, and then holding onto a stunner to his left at cover to send back Tatenda Taibu. Wahab Riaz, one among an assembly line of left-arm quicks in this series, was the beneficiary for the second, a wicket in his first international over.

As the sun disappeared behind the clouds and the mercury dipped in Sheikhupura's first international match for nearly a decade, the situation got worse as Zimbabwe lost half their side before the halfway stage. Chigumbura and Taylor, however, buckled down and produced a stand of 85, against the run of play. Pakistan allowed the game to drift a little as bowlers were made to pay each time they erred. The boundaries were interspersed with intelligent running and before anyone knew it, the pair had added fifty.

Taylor, who's had an inconsistent series with the bat, punished anything on full while Chigumbura, a proven allrounder, took on Fawad Alam's left-arm spin and punished anything full and wide outside off stump, unfurling forceful drives. Rizwan, the legspinner, excelled in the field but had a forgettable debut with the ball as the pair feasted on his half-trackers.

But just when a lower-order revival threatened to push the score over 200, the spinners struck back, breaking up the stand. Thereafter Rauf returned to clean up the last two wickets with inswinging yorkers to end the innings with over four overs to spare.

Zimbabwe's attack lacked the sting and pace to cause Pakistan any trouble. Nasir Jamshed threw his wicket away early when the going was good, but Younis and Manzoor were determined not to miss out.

Manzoor was impressive, the bridge between domestic and international cricket seemingly invisible as he sized up his first ball with a firm backfoot punch to the cover point boundary. Busy at the crease, he was particularly strong with his bottom hand, unfurling another punch on the hop, this time beating the covers.

But Manzoor soon took a backseat as Younis arrived and the chase progressed at pace. Chigumbura suffered as Younis announced himself with a punchy square drive and then blazed three consecutive boundaries in his next over, immediately after the second Powerplay began. Each was classic improvisation, beginning with a scorching square drive, following it up with a straight six after exposing all stumps on the walk, and then ending with a biff over midwicket.

Younis didn't slow down once the spinners came on. Ray Price was welcomed with a reverse sweep and Keith Dabengwa's long hops were bludgeoned to the on side. He soon brought up his fifty with a sweep to fine leg. Manzoor, meanwhile, was providing solid support.

Both looked set to see Pakistan through, before recklessness set in. Younis fell slogging, while Manzoor was cleaned up sweeping across the line, just after reaching his half-century. By that stage, however, the deal had been sealed as Pakistan, after four unconvincing victories, ended on a high before taking on the Australians.

Man of the match: Younis Khan

Man of the series: Shoaib Malik

I’ll go to India if players go for IPL auction: Yousuf

LAHORE: Middle-order batsman of Pakistan cricket team Mohammad Yousuf said that he would also go to India on February 8 if other cricketers went there for bidding at the auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Talking with media in Lahore, Mohammad Yousuf said it has come into his knowledge that the IPL teams would go for bidding on various players and his name has also been included in the list.

He said that to resolve the Indian Cricket League issue is a joint responsibility of Pakistan and India.

Mohammad Yousuf said that the Zimbabwean team is very good in batting and fielding and if it gets two quality bowlers then it can put the rival teams in trouble. This is necessary for the Zimbabwean team to play more and more cricket.

Shoaib: I Don`t Just Play For Money

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is unperturbed by the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to drop him from the central contracts list.

The 32-year-old was also left out of the squad for the one-day series against Zimbabwe because of his poor fitness.

However, he is confident he will soon return to the Pakistan squad once he has regained full fitness.

"I have no problems if they don't give me a contract. I don't need one to play for Pakistan. Playing for my country is a far bigger honour than anything else and I don't just play for money,"

he said.

"I am not the first senior player to be dropped. Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis) were also dropped in the past. So I can live with it."

Shoaib says he hopes to be 100 per cent fit once Australia's tour of Pakistan gets underway in March.

"I am looking forward to that series and I am preparing for it. Australia is the best team in the world and the benchmark for evaluating your performances. The coming series would be tough as the pitches are slow in our country"

Shoaib also played down reports that he was more interested in seeking a career in Bollywood, reiterating that cricket remained his focus.

"It's my life and I can do what I want. I don't know why the PCB is making a huge fuss of all this especially when I haven't even signed anything yet. For the moment it's cricket but I might think about a film career when it comes to it."

Shoaib Malik, Pakistan's captain, said the fast bowler's return to fitness was an encouraging sign for the future of the team.

"He is a great bowler and an asset to the team,"

Malik said.

"His fitness and form will only benefit Pakistan, especially with a tough series against Australia coming up."

Pakistan rest Afridi, Yousuf and Kamran Hussain

Pakistan have tried out a few newcomers already in the ongoing series against Zimbabwe, and a 4-0 advantage has further emboldened the selectors to test more players for the fifth and final ODI in Sheikhupura.

Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi and Kamran Hussain, the left-arm medium-pacer who made his debut during this series, have been omitted, while Naumanullah, Rizwan Ahmed, Junaid Zia and Abdur Rauf have been drafted into a 15-member squad.

Naumanullah was the top run-getter in the 2007-08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, with 949 runs at over 60. He made 86 while playing for the Patron's XI in a tour game against the Zimbabweans. Rizwan Ahmed, the legspinning allrounder, has been called up while Zia and Rauf bolster the pace attack.

Of the four, Zia has previously played for Pakistan, in four ODIs against Bangladesh in 2003. He was impressive in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, with 46 wickets for Lahore Ravi, costing 26.76 apiece.

The absence of Yousuf, who scored a hundred in Faisalabad, Afridi, and Hussain mean Pakistan will make at least three changes to their playing XI for Sheikhupura. The first four ODIs had seen five players making their debut for Pakistan, and perhaps a few more are on the cards for Saturday's match.

Squad: Shoaib Malik (capt), Nasir Jamshed, Khalid Latif, Khurram Manzoor, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Naumanullah, Fawad Alam, Rizwan Ahmed, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Sohail Tanvir, Junaid Zia, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Abdur Rauf

Pakistan v Zimbabwe, 4th ODI, Faisalabad

Pakistan 245 for 3 (Yousuf 108*, Malik 88) beat
Zimbabwe 244 (Taibu 51, Malik 3-55) by seven wickets

A hundred from Mohammad Yousuf and a fine all-round performance by Shoaib Malik led Pakistan to a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. Yousuf and Malik put on 141 for the third wicket to steer Pakistan's chase, with Yousuf's 14th century the first in what has been a horribly one-sided Mobilink Cup. Malik's 88 added to the three wickets he took earlier to restrict Zimbabwe to 244.

The pair came together after Pakistan's newbie openers had gone by the 15th over. Malik had already settled by then, returning to the one-down role he had once made his own, with Younis Khan resting. He averages over 40 from 34 innings at No.3 and it was immediately easy to see why so many argue for him to move up the order. He was off the mark immediately, clipping off his toes for four and in the next over he drove and cut Gary Brent for a couple more.

Soon after, he twice cut Elton Chigumbura and then did likewise to Brent five overs later. Having grabbed the initiative then and with no real pressure, Malik's calculating approach came out, as he dabbed and nudged runs for fun. A swift fifty was brought up, and though he lofted Ray Price over the boundary and welcomed Hamilton Masakadza with a brace of boundaries soon after, he was more than happy to play second fiddle.

Yousuf, meanwhile, began regally, picking up singles when he felt like it and only occasionally breaking sweat to find the boundary. It seemed for a while as if he wasn't even there, at least until a late dab to third man in the 27th over brought up the fifty partnership.

He made his presence known after it, twice depositing Masakadza over wide mid-on to bring up his own fifty. His pace picked up to such an extent that only 34 balls later, he was bringing up an effortless hundred, the highlight of which was a magnificent loft over long-on off Price. The only blemish on a flawless innings was a mix-up with Malik, which prevented the captain from reaching a hundred of his own.

It didn't prevent Malik from taking the Man-of-the-Match award. He had already excelled earlier, prompting a slump as Zimbabwe - not for the first time in this series - let slip a position of considerable strength after opting to bat. Sean Williams and Tatenda Taibu had rescued the innings early, with an intelligent 85-run partnership, but just when much was promised, Malik dismissed both, and Brendon Taylor, during eight mid-innings overs.

The pair have been Zimbabwe's best batsmen this series and it was soon apparent why. Taibu repeatedly came out of his crease to neutralize the early swing which so bewildered the openers, most effectively when he drove Kamran Hussain past mid-off for the day's first boundary. He cut twice soon after, but the real spurt came from Williams in the 14th over.

Hussain tired after an impressive opening spell and Williams took toll, twice flicking him through midwicket for three and driving over point to bring up Zimbabwe's 50. He then targeted Shahid Afridi, driving him elegantly through extra cover to mark the fifty stand, before cutting and lofting him for six an over later.

Taibu provided typically impish support and at that stage, until Malik brought himself on little was of concern. But in his second over, Williams inexplicably chipped back two short of what would have been his third fifty of the series. Taylor went in Malik's next over and the drive quickly petered out of the innings. Taibu fell immediately after getting to his ninth half-century and runs soon slowed to a trickle.

Singles were grudgingly given up, boundaries even more so. Chigumbura and Chamu Chibhabha battled well without any great urgency and it was only at the death, through Keith Dabengwa, that Zimbabwe rallied. He took 19 off the last over, part of a 33-ball 45, to drag Zimbabwe to a competitive score. Competitive, but no more.

Man of The Match: Shoaib Malik

Three new names in 14-man squad for the 4th ODI against Zimbabwe

As expected, Pakistan have made a number of changes to their squad for the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe, to be played in Faisalabad on January 30.

Pakistan wrapped up the five-match series in Multan with a comfortable 37-run win and the plan had always been to try out as many new faces as possible. With that in mind, four players have been dropped and three players come in to a 14-man squad.

Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal are the most high-profile absences; Akmal making way for Sarfraz Ahmed was always on the card once the series had been secured, but Butt's poor returns haven't helped his case. Rao Iftikhar Anjum, who has had a poor series, and Yasir Arafat, who only played in Multan, are the other casualties.

In their place come opener Khurram Manzoor, the second-leading first-class run-scorer this season, Sarfraz and Wahab Riaz, the left-arm pace bowler who has taken over 50 wickets for National Bank of Pakistan this season.

It is expected that one of Khalid Latif or Manzoor will open with Pakistan's find of the series Nasir Jamshed, while Sohail Khan might also get a chance to add some bite to what has been a toothless pace attack so far.

Pakistan squad: Shoaib Malik, Nasir Jamshed, Khalid Latif, Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam, Sarfraz Ahmad, Sohail Tanveer, Kamran Hussain, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz

Pakistan v Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI, Multan

Pakistan 272 for 9 ( Afridi 85, Mupariwa 4-46) beat

Zimbabwe 235 for 7 (Williams 71, Taylor 55) by 37 runs

Pakistan wrapped up the Mobilink Cup with a comfortable 37-run victory over Zimbabwe in what was, ultimately a dour, lifeless encounter in Multan. The only spark was provided, inevitably, by Shahid Afridi, who lit up the affair with a 52-ball 85, in the process rescuing Pakistan from a perilous 78 for 5. Zimbabwe battled away in their chase of 273, in particular Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor, but as has been the case at various points on this tour, they let healthy advantages slip.

In Hyderabad, they frittered away a promising position going in to the final ten overs and then dropped catches to make matters worse. Here, they had Pakistan reeling halfway through their innings, but somehow managed to concede nearly 200 runs in the second half, to essentially, the lower-order.

Until then, they had been disciplined, which was the doing mostly of Tawanda Mupariwa and fine opening spells from Elton Chigumbura and Gary Brent. The tone was set from the very first over of the innings, Chigumbura probing outside Salman Butt's off stump. It was a maiden and many more followed as Brent, at Mark Ealham's pace, found some lovely away-going curve against a left-handed opening pair.

Brent finally found reward for an outstanding spell when Butt cut to point in the 15th over. Thereafter, as Chigumbura finished his quota, Mupariwa took charge with a career- best spell. His first ball, a delicious, tempting in-dipper trapped Younis Khan in front. In his very next over, Nasir Jamshed pulled straight to short midwicket.

Zimbabwe were ecstatic when Shoaib Malik was run out, and they went beyond as Mupariwa reeled in the big one, Mohammad Yousuf. In truth, they didn't so much lose grip as have it snatched away from them by Afridi. He came in to this series the subject of debate: selectors wanted him to play, the team management were not keen. And yet, he has been indispensable thus far, taking wickets in Karachi, taking Pakistan over the line in Hyderabad and saving some blushes here.

With six sixes in the match, Shahid Afridi equalled Sanath Jayasuriya's

record for most number of sixes in ODIs

Afridi's methods were no surprise; he equalled Sanath Jayasuriya as the leading ODI six-hitter, blasting six of them here and he was busy through the innings, running hard, but forever with an eye on the big heave. Ray Price was lofted for the first six and by the time Chamu Chibhabha was struck for two more a little later, a 34-ball 50 had been brought up.

Misbah-ul-Haq provided typically Misbhah-esque support, running hard, improvising and finding the occasional boundary, but this was Afridi's show. Keith Dabengwa was lofted and bludgeoned as a century stand came up, but just when a first hundred in nearly three years loomed, he miscued Mupariwa to point. A few overs later Misbah fell in typically Misbah-esque fashion, reverse-sweeping, but Pakistan pushed on to a daunting total.

Zimbabwe still had a chance, as Pakistan's bowling hadn't made an impression through the series and the wicket was flat. Sohail Tanvir, the one bowler who has made a mark, stymied early, fanciful notions sending back both openers. When Tatenda Taibu was run out in the 15th with just 50 on the board, it seemed over.

But Williams and Taylor then revived the innings with a partnership which put Zimbabwe in control of another portion of the game. They went about it intelligently, picking up the few boundaries they could, but hustling every run on offer. Williams hit three boundaries in his 50 and Taylor only two, yet the two put on 105 at just under five an over.

But just when it seemed Zimbabwe would launch a final surge, they again let slip the initiative. Taylor was stumped in the 36th over, with 118 still needed, and as so often happens, the partner went soon after. With Williams went the match. Pakistan will be concerned at an inability to bowl out Zimbabwe a third game running, but the visitors will rue yet another game where they were in it at various stages, only to lose it at critical moments.

Man of The Match: Shahid Afridi

Run-fest expected in Multan

The Mobilink Cup journeys across Sindh to the province of Punjab, with Pakistan aiming for a series-sealing victory against Zimbabwe. A hard surface at the Multan Cricket Stadium, complemented by a lush green outfield, promises a run-spree.

Zimbabwe have already been dealt a blow with Prosper Utseya, their captain, ruled out of the match after an injury to his left ankle resurfaced while batting in Hyderabad. Utseya was forced to sit out the tour match against Patron's XI in Karachi with the same problem.

Shoaib Malik, Pakistan's captain, shied away from naming his final XI but confirmed that the board's policy of trying out new players will be adhered to tomorrow as well. However, with Pakistan keen to wrap up the series, they are unlikely to tinker too much with the winning combination of the last two matches, the only expected change being the highly-rated Sohail Khan coming in place of the dropped Samiullah Khan.

"Our plan for the series was to try one or two players in every match,"

Malik said in Multan.

"We have an ideal opportunity to build up our back-up before the Australia series and we plan on sticking to it. However, it's an important match because we can wrap up the series. We will try and avoid wholesale changes."

Pakistan's batsmen - bar the failures of Salman Butt - have benefited greatly from some poor bowling by Zimbabwe. Nasir Jamshed, the 18-year-old opener, has been a revelation with two attacking half-centuries in his first two ODIs. With the middle order and Shahid Afridi among the runs, self-destruction is Pakistan's only batting worry.

Pakistan's bowling, however, has been a cause for some concern. They have failed to bowl out Zimbabwe so far; their fast-bowling trio of Sohail Tanvir, Samiullah and Rao Iftikhar Anjum has not threatened consistently enough. Tanvir stood out in Hyderabad, utilising helpful conditions to good effect, but the rest have been below-par. Malik's ploy of playing only three specialist bowlers - using himself, Afridi, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq as the fourth and fifth bowlers - has not been a complete success.

In Utseya's absence, Zimbabwe will be led by Hamilton Masakadza, who shared an enterprising 137-run third-wicket partnership with Tatenda Taibu in Hyderabad, revealing not only Pakistan's limited bowling, but also a pleasing maturity in Zimbabwe's top order.

Though Zimbabwe are down 2-0, they remain confident that they are not out of it yet.

"We have played good cricket throughout the tour and have been unlucky to be on the losing side in all matches,"

Utseya said on the eve of the third ODI.

"We are taking each game separately and by working on a few areas that we lacked on previously, we hope to make it 2-1 tomorrow."

It would help if they took their catches; in Hyderabad they dropped five, compounding the problems of a wayward and inexperienced bowling attack. Robin Brown, Zimbabwe's coach, was more than aware of these failings and insisted they were being rectified.

"Obviously nobody drops catches on purpose and a few of them were not straightforward. However, the drops came at crucial junctures and we have worked on those problems."

Utseya's ongoing troubles with his ankle have meant that Masakadza has often been in charge on this tour, though Brown ruled out that it had hurt the team unduly.

"Even though we have been forced to play with different captains, we plan things before the team takes the field,"

he said.

"We sit down and discuss our strategies and apart from the bowling changes [that's the captain's decision], what you see on the field is a result of combined thinking."

A quick scan of the pitch convinced Zimbabwe's team management of its trueness and likeliness to aid strokeplay. If they win their third toss on the trot, batting first is a given.

"It looks like a decent batting pitch out there,"

Brown said.

"Winning the toss, we plan on making first use of it and posting a total in excess of 280."

Pakistan opted to bat the last time they played here, but a target of 230 against South Africa was overhauled with over 12 overs to spare. Dew played a part back then and is expected to play a part again on Sunday. Bat first and bat big may well be the order of the day.

Teams (probable)
Pakistan Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik (capt), Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal (wk), Sohail Tanvir, Iftikhar Anjum, Sohail Khan.

Zimbabwe Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza (capt), Brendan Taylor, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Chamu Chibhabha, Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura, Gary Brent, Timycen Maruma, Ray Price, Christopher Mpofu.

Pakistan v Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI, Hyderabad

Pakistan 239 for 5 in 46.2 overs (Jamshed 74, Afridi 43*, Yousuf 38*) beat

Zimbabwe 238 (Masakadza 87, Taibu 81, Tanvir 4-34) by five wickets

Nasir Jamshed scored his second successive half-century and Shahid Afridi notched an unbeaten 43 to guide Pakistan past Zimbabwe in the second ODI of the Mobilink Cup in Hyderabad. Pakistan lead the series 2-0 with three to play.

Jamshed, after the early loss of Salman Butt, shared a 95-run second-wicket partnership with Younis Khan to start Pakistan's chase confidently. Jamshed began in a hurry, lofting Gary Brent over extra cover for his first boundary of the day in only the second over. He was dropped by Brent off his own bowling early on, but there was no respite for the fielding side as he first cut fiercely past point and then drove Brent past mid-off. Elton Chigumbura then bore the brunt of Jamshed's bat - flicked over midwicket, edged over point and then turned past square-leg for consecutive boundaries.

The 18-year-old continued, smashing Chamu Chibhabha through extra cover before glancing Chigumbura to fine-leg for his 11th boundary, and bringing up his half century off only 42 deliveries. Jamshed got another reprive when on 72 - dropped by Brent again at long-off - but he was finally dismissed soon after thanks to some stunning work by Ray Price. With a quick pick-up in his follow-through, stopping a fiercely driven straight drive, he threw down the stumps and beat Jamshed's dive. Worse was to follow for Zimbabwe when Younis was run out for 35 two balls later going for a tight single.

Zimbabwe were in with a sniff as Shoaib Malik, too, followed four overs later - stumped off Price. Misbah-ul-Haq added 39 runs with Mohammad Yousuf to halt the slide but his dismissal brought Afridi to the middle. His arrival settled things once and for all as his 27-ball knock - loaded with four fours and including two sixes - finally thwarted faint Zimbabwe hopes. He enjoyed some fortune, however, dropped twice during his knock. But as Afridi pulled Hamilton Masakadza over midwicket and dispatched Chibhabha over the sight-screen, Zimbabwe were left ruing a sloppy display in the field.

Earlier, Tanvir, who was the Man-of-the-Match award, triggered a late batting collapse to restrict Zimbabwe to 238 for 8 off their 50 overs after the visitors opted to bat first. With seven overs to go, Zimbabwe were well-placed on 209 for 3 - an ideal position from which to launch a final assault. However, Tanvir captured two quick wickets as Zimbabwe lost five for nine and finished the innings fifty runs short of a competitive target.

Zimbabwe's platform had been laid by a 137-run third-wicket partnership between Masakadza and Tatenda Taibu, but none of the lower-order batsmen took advantage. The last ten overs produced only 45 runs with two boundaries - both in the last over - as Zimbabwe panicked. Pakistan's bowling, too, improved considerably, as Tanvir used the slower ball to good effect. Iftikhar Anjum, who gave away 37 runs off his first four overs, also came back strongly to capture a brace of wickets in the first over of his second spell.

Until then, things had gone well for Zimbabwe, as a spirited fightback by Masakadza and Taibu resurrected the innings after Tanvir's early double strike left Zimbabwe on 19 for 2. However, Tanvir apart, Pakistan's fast bowlers, failed to trouble Zimbabwe - as had been the case in Karachi and Masakadza and Taibu took full toll.

Using his feet well, Masakadza was particularly severe on Anjum. Overpitching frequently, Anjum was smashed through extra cover. When he pitched short, he was pulled. Even Samiullah Khan came in for stick: bowling full and wide he was driven through the covers and flicked off his legs for boundaries. As Masakadza pulled Anjum for another boundary to square leg, then top-edged one over gully and swept Malik in quick succession, he brought up his seventh ODI half-century.

Taibu meanwhile was content with singles and twos to keep his score moving. Even the normally reliable Afridi pitched short and was repeatedly cut for easy runs. With Pakistan opting for only three specialist bowlers - a ploy that failed to be tested in the first match - both batsmen scored easily. Pakistan's lethargic fielding didn't help, as easy singles were given away, and a few half-chances went begging.

Taibu reached a steady fifty off 70 deliveries, just as Masakadza lost his concentration and drove loosely at Afridi, inside-edging on to his stumps for a well-made 87, his highest ODI score. Brendan Taylor briefly took advantage of Younis Khan, cutting past point for four and smashing him for a straight six.

The return of Tanvir, however, proved Zimbabwe's undoing as first Taylor departed then Taibu soon after. Zimbabwe's hopes of posting a competitive total vanished, and although Samiullah was swept and pulled for valuable boundaries by Gary Brent, 238 proved too small a target for an experienced Pakistani batting line-up.

Man of The Match: Sohail Tanvir

Sohail, Khalid included in Pakistan squad for third ODI against Zimbabwe

HYDERABAD: Pakistan have brought in rookie pacer Sohail Khan for next week's third One-day International against Zimbabwe, selectors announced Thursday.

The 23-year-old took 65 wickets in nine first-class matches in last year's domestic season to earn a place in the national side.

"We have made two changes for the third One-day International, bringing in Sohail in place of Samiullah Niazi, and since Sarfraz Ahmed will join a wicket-keeper's camp his place is taken by Khalid Latif,"

said chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed.

Niazi has failed to take any wickets in the first two matches of the ongoing five-match series against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan lead the series 2-0 after defeating the tourists by five wickets in the second match here on Thursday.

"Sohail is an exciting prospect and we hope that he establishes himself as we are in the process of trying some young players before the all-important series against Australia,"

said Ahmed.

Pakistan are due to host Australia for three Tests and five one-day internationals in March-April this year, although security fears have put the tour in doubt.

Squad: Shoaib Malik (capt), Salman Butt, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Yasir Arafat, Sohail Tanvir, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed, Fawad Alam, Rao Iftikhar, Sohail Khan, Kamran Hussain.

PCB plays down reports of rift

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has downplayed reports of a rift that has emerged between the national selection committee and the team's management over a number of issues, mostly revolving around the make-up of the team.

The schism first emerged on Pakistan's tour to India, with what appeared initially to be a miscommunication over the identity of a replacement player. The selectors, in apparent agreement with the coach and captain, had initially agreed on calling up Abdur Rauf as replacement for the injured Umar Gul.

Having announced it officially during the second Test at Kolkata, the board changed tack later that evening and decided to send Rao Iftikhar Anjum instead. It is now understood that Shoaib Malik, the captain, and coach Geoff Lawson had wanted Iftikhar Anjum all along and convinced the board directly later, thus bypassing the selection committee.

Since then, Cricinfo has learnt, there have been continuing disagreements over the playing XI in the current series against Zimbabwe. The selection committee has been keen to use the opportunity to blood new players in various positions. In particular, they were adamant that Nasir Jamshed should make his debut as opener; the team management, as well as Malik were instead eager to use Kamran Akmal as opener and play an extra bowler in place of Shahid Afridi.

Before the series began, a heated debate is said to have taken place between Salahuddin Ahmed, chairman of selectors, and Geoff Lawson, the coach, over the matter. But as a result of a recent policy shift, it is now the selection committee that decides on the final playing XI during a home series.

Jamshed has thus played and made an immediate impact in his first two ODIs. But Pakistan have also appeared a bowler short in both games, struggling to bowl out Zimbabwe with only three specialist bowlers and five realistic bowling options in total.

Nasim Ashraf, chairman PCB, didn't deny the reports, but sought to play them down instead, claiming them to be nothing more than everyday professional tussles.

"Everyone is operating within their sphere of responsibility,"

he told reporters in Hyderabad.

"Both the selection committee and team management have separately told me in the last few days that they have a good relationship. If they don't disagree on matters during meetings, what is the point of having these meetings at all? This is healthy debate and not signs of a rift."

Sources close to the matter maintain, however, that the issue is swiftly developing into more than just professional differences in opinion. One source adds that there has been another run-in with Malik following Pakistan's win in the first ODI at Karachi. The last selection committee, headed by Wasim Bari, was widely thought to be little more than a rubber-stamp for Inzamam-ul-Haq's choices while he was captain, particularly towards the end of its tenure. The current committee, the first in Pakistan's history to employ full-time, paid selectors, is understandably keen to avoid a similar situation with Malik and eager to assert its authority.

Ashraf also played down the contents of a report by manager Talat Ali following the tour to India, in which, according to a couple of local newspapers, the contributions of Younis Khan, Gul and Shoaib Akhtar have come under fire. The report is due to be discussed at a meeting of the board's governing committee in Karachi on January 25.

"We expect everybody to give an honest opinion in a respectful way," said Ashraf. "We expect the manager and the coach to do this in their reports. The governing board is looking at the issue and the report will be discussed professionally. The idea of these reports is not to apportion blame but to learn from mistakes on future tours."

Pakistan v Zimbabwe, 1st ODI, Karachi

Pakistan 347 for 5 (Younis 79, Yousuf 72, Price 2-61) beat
Zimbabwe 243 for 7 (Sibanda 59, Williams 52*, Malik 3-34) by 104 runs


KARACHI: A record five half-centuries in a single innings propelled Pakistan to a thumping 104-run win over Zimbabwe in the first one-day international here.

Skipper Shoaib Malik hit a 56-ball 63 in Pakistan's mammoth total of 347-5 in 50 overs before capturing 3-34 with his off-spin to restrict the tourists to 243-7.
Opener Nasir Jamshed smashed a 48-ball 61 on his debut, while Younis Khan (79), Mohammad Yousuf (72) and Misbah-ul Haq (55 not out) made significant contributions after Pakistan were put into bat at Karachi's National Stadium.

It is the first time in one-day international history that five half-centuries have been scored in an innings and eight in a match.

The total was always beyond Zimbabwe's reach despite a bright start for the tourists, with an opening stand of 47.

Vusi Sibanda (59) and Chamu Chibhabha (52) added 56 for the second wicket but the tourists lost their rhythm against Pakistan's spinners.

Sean Williams was also among the runs, hitting an unbeaten 51, but the asking rate continued to climb and the task proved too much.

Earlier, the foundations for Pakistan's big total were laid by the 18-year-old left-hander Jamshed, who hit six boundaries and three towering sixes during his swashbuckling knock.

Jamshed, who broke into the team on the back of a brilliant 182 against the tourists in a four-day match here last week, made his more experienced partner Salman Butt (four) a mere spectator in a brisk 45-run stand for the first wicket. Jamshed was finally caught off medium-pacer Chibhabha in the 15th over.

Younis and Yousuf then put on 113 for the third wicket to further punish the hapless tourists' attack. Younis hit seven boundaries and a six off 68 balls, while Yousuf's 74-ball knock included five boundaries and a six.

Left-arm spinner Ray Price, who finished with 2-61, dismissed both Younis and Yousuf before Malik and Misbah gave the innings fresh impetus.

Malik, who completed 4,000 one-day runs when he reached 16, put on a brisk 99 runs for the fifth wicket with Misbah. Malik hit two sixes and a four before he became Chibhabha's second wicket.

Misbah hit four boundaries and a six in his 38-ball knock as Pakistan totted up 52 in the last five overs.

Man of The Match: Nasir Jamshed

The second encounter in the five-match series will be played at Hyderabad on Thursday.

We’ll try to win all matches against Zimbabwe: Shoaib Malik

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said Friday that this is not necessary to make a clean sweep against Zimbabwe but we would try to win all matches of the series.

The captains of Pakistan and Zimbabwe attended the cup unveiling ceremony of the five-match one-day series between the two countries. The ceremony was organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board at a local hotel.

Shoaib Malik said that the series against minnows Zimbabwe would help him identify new talent before facing the real test against world champions Australia.

"Before we face Australia, this series against Zimbawbe will give us a chance to test a few youngsters so that we can identify talent,"

Malik told reporters in the Cup unveiling ceremony ahead of Monday's first match here.

Pakistan named three uncapped players -- opener Nasir Jamshed, paceman Samiullah Niazi and all-rounder Kamran Hussain -- in their 15-man squad announced for the first two matches.

The 18-year-old Jamshed hit a brilliant 182, while Niazi took five wickets in an innings and 34-run win for the Patron's XI against Zimbabwe in a four-day match which ended here on Thursday.

Pakistan also take on Australia in three Tests and five one-day internationals in two months time, a series still hanging in the balance over security fears in the Asian country.

Malik, who has regained fitness after suffering an ankle injury during last month's tour of India, said his team would not take Zimbabwe lightly.

"Zimbabwe have done well in the recent past, having beaten Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup (in South Africa last year) and won a match against the West Indies (at home in November) so we are not underestimating them,"

said Malik.

Pakistan will be without pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar who has been dropped for lack of fitness, Mohammad Asif, who is recovering from an elbow operation, and Umar Gul, who is suffering from back trouble.

Malik's counterpart, Prosper Utseya, hoped his team would lift itself after defeat in the tour opener.

"We didn't play to the best of our abilities in the four-day match but one-day cricket will be different and I hope our experience will come good,"

said Utseya who missed the opening game because of an ankle injury from which he has now recovered.

Utseya said his team will have an opportunity as Pakistan try out some youngsters.

"Obviously Pakistan will not have some experienced bowlers and it may give us an opportunity to win,"

said Utseya.

Pakistan squad for first two ODIs against Zimbabwe

The Selection Committee headed by Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed has announced following players for the first 2-ODIs to be played against Zimbabwe starting from 21st January 2008. The names are as follows:

1. Shoaib Malik - Captain
2. Mohammad Yousuf
3. Younis Khan
4. Shahid Afridi
5. Misbah-ul-Haq
6. Salman Butt
7. Nasir Jamshedv
8. Iftikhar Anjum
9. Sohail Tanvir
10. Samiullah Khan
11. Kamran Akmal - Wicket Keeper
12. Sarfraz Ahmed - Wicket Keeper
13. Fawad Alam
14. Kamran Hussain
15. Yasir Arafat

Pakistan have called up a number of new names in a 15-man squad to face Zimbabwe in the first two of five ODIs, beginning in Karachi from January 21.

Three men - opener Nasir Jamshed, fast bowlers Samiullah Khan Niazi and Kamran Hussain - have never played for Pakistan before. Sarfraz Ahmed, the wicketkeeper, and Fawad Alam, the allrounder, have only played three ODIs between them.

Jamshed, the young left-hand opener who was a part of Pakistan U-19's 2006 World Cup-winning team, has impressed selectors through a season where he ended the third-highest run-scorer. His spot was sealed after an authoritative hundred in a tour match against Zimbabwe in Karachi this week.

Samiullah and Kamran Hussain have also figured prominently this season; the former, who toured England with Pakistan in 2006, was the season's second-highest wicket-taker with 52 wickets, playing a prominent role in SNGPL's maiden Quaid-e-Azam trophy triumph and helping the Patrons XI beat Zimbabwe this week with a timely five-for.

Kamran Hussain, another left-arm option, was an influential figure in Habib Bank's run to the Quaid-e-Azam final. He not only picked up 35 wickets at under 20, but also scored over 500 runs, averaging over 35 with four fifties.

The rest of the squad contains few surprises and Shoaib Malik's inclusion suggests that the management is confident of him overcoming his ankle injury to play in the series. Pakistan have long maintained that the series would be used to try out new faces in various departments; with Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif not fully fit and Mohammad Sami not considered, fast bowling slots have opened up. The search for a viable opening pair continues, while Kamran Akmal's poor form behind the stumps has forced the inclusion of an understudy. Abdul Razzaq's sidelining from international cricket has also allowed for some new allrounders to be tested.

It is expected that a clutch of other players who have impressed domestically will be called up to the squad for the final three games of the series. Those expected to be given a run include opener Khalid Latif and Sohail Khan, the strapping Karachi-based fast bowler from the NWFP, who finished a remarkable debut first-class season as its leading wicket-taker.

PCB To Discuss Shoaib`s Fate

The international future of Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar will be determined at a PCB board meeting later this month.

The 32-year-old was not included in a provisional 21-man squad for Pakistan's forthcoming one-day series against Zimbabwe due to concerns over his fitness.

And those health issues, coupled with Shoaib's chequered disciplinary record, are starting to cause concern within Pakistani cricket.

PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf told the Daily Times:

"Shoaib is facing fitness as well as disciplinary problems that were even pointed out during the India tour last year."

"He has repeatedly violated discipline on a number of occasions. His case is referred to the PCB disciplinary committee and his future will be decided in the PCB governing body meeting to be held on January 25."

Shoaib, once the mainstay of the Pakistan attack, has become a peripheral figure in recent years, mainly due to a series of off-field controversies.

He was sent home from the tour of Australia in 2005 amid rumours of a lack of commitment and a year later was banned for two years after failing a drugs test, although this was overturned on appeal.

In September 2007, he was sent home before the World Twenty20 after a scuffle with team-mate Mohammad Asif.

Afridi Won`t Say No To Captaincy

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi would be willing to take on the captaincy if current skipper Shoaib Malik is ruled out of the forthcoming one-day international series against Zimbabwe through injury.

Malik is doubtful for the five-match series against the African nation due to an ankle problem and Afridi is keen to stand in.

"Of course I will take up captaincy if offered,"

he told The News.

"Every cricketer dreams of leading his country and I'm no exception. I've played for Pakistan for more than 12 years and it would be great to bow out (of international cricket) after having captained Pakistan."

The 27-year-old is currently leading the Patron's XI in a four-day game against Zimbabwe and believes the tourists will present Pakistan with a stiff challenge.

"I believe Zimbabwe are a very good one-day side and it will be a different ball game in the ODI series against them,"

he added.

Patron's XI v Zimbabweans, Karachi, 4th day

Patron's XI 479 for 6 dec (Jamshed 182, Naumanullah 86, Alam 82*, Price 4-130) beat Zimbabweans 209 (Taylor 64, Taibu 46, Afridi 4-37) and 236 (Maruma 71, Masakadza 44, Samiullah 5-42) by an innings and 34 runs

Samiullah Khan captured five wickets - including his 200th first-class scalp - to send the Zimbabweans crashing to an innings-and-34-run defeat. Although Timycen Maruma scored an entertaining 71 off 101 deliveries while sharing a 96-run eighth-wicket partnership with Gary Brent, it was always a huge task for the Zimbabwean tail to make the Patron's XI bat again on a slowing pitch.

After capturing three wickets yesterday, Samiullah was on target straight away as he dismissed Elton Chigumbura leg-before in only his second over of the day. Dropped twice by Sarfraz Ahmed off Sohail Khan, Maruma played his shots without fear. An overpitching and off-colour Kamran Hussain was edged between the slips and gully for four before Yasir Shah, the legspinner, was hit over mid-off for four. Although streaky at times, Maruma, who was ably supported by Brent's solid defence, then attacked Sohail as he returned for a second spell with the new ball.

Sohail was driven past mid-on before being blasted past extra cover by Maruma to reach his first first-class half-century. The next over saw another drive over extracover before a wild slash brought about the second drop. Riding his luck, and taking advantage of Pakistan's poor fielding as a few overthrows complemented the dropped catches, Maruma took his side past the 200-mark, a psychological achievement if nothing else before the ODI series.

Shahid Afridi, bringing himself on after the lunch interval, produced a flighted delivery that spun and took the outside edge of Maruma's bat to end a fine partnership. Striking eight fours in all, Maruma, not only managed to make the home side pay for some sloppy fielding, but also get a bit of confidence under his belt prior to the one-dayers.

Afridi managed to deceive Brent with a slower delivery - bowled off his glove - before being hammered by Ray Price for a six that landed outside the ground. Samiullah returned to pick the final wicket and inflict the innings defeat. Bowling with pace and troubling the right-hand batsmen with his in-swing, four of Samiullah's dismissals were leg-before and with six wickets in the match, his claims for a place in the ODI squad are stronger than ever.

Patron's XI v Zimbabweans, Karachi, 3rd day

Zimbabweans 209 and 111 for 6 (Masakadza 44, Taibu 30, Samiullah 3-15, Sohail 3-30) trail Patron's XI 479 for 6 dec by 159 runs

Fast bowlers Samiullah Khan and Sohail Khan left the Zimbabweans staring at defeat; the tourists finished the third day at 111 for 6, requiring another 159 to avoid an innings defeat after the home team declared at 479 for 6.

Samiullah inflicted the damage early on: Vusi Sibanda (23) and Brendan Taylor (4) fell leg-before to inswingers. Bowling with much pace and aggression at the other end, Sohail remained luckless in his initial overs. Several plays-and-misses mixed with leg-before shouts that had summed up his first-innings effort proved to be the case this time as well.

At 36 for 2, it required a dogged innings from Hamilton Masakadza, the stand-in captain, and Tatenda Taibu to stabilise the Zimbabweans' second innings. Sharing a 63-run partnership, Masakadza remained the more authoritative batsman. Dropped at gully off Sohail, he pulled the next delivery over midwicket for a four and square-drove an unimpressive Kamran Hussain before Taibu joined in the action by driving Shahid Afridi straight down the ground.

Although turning the ball a great deal, Yasir Khan, the legspinner, was unlucky as he not only beat the edge but also had the batsmen misreading his googly. Sensing not much was being gained, Afridi brought back Sohail and his searing yorker accounted for Masakadza, who was out leg-before for a 158-ball 44. While there remained doubts about his dismissal - replays suggested the ball drifting down leg - there was none so about Taibu's. Playing loosely, he had just evaded the extra-cover fielder but another drive away from his body resulted in a edge off Sohail to second slip, Afaq Raheem completing a tumbling catch.

Samiullah came back on as well, and there were some anxious moments before the players walked off; the umpires deemed the light to be unsatisfactory. However, in a sudden change of decision, the umpires called the players back on to the field and Sohail roared in to grab two wickets off successive deliveries. Sean Williams edged one to slip and Keith Dabengwa was adjudged leg-before.

The Patron's XI bowlers did the job after their batsmen had given them a commanding first-innings lead. Ray Price grabbed three wickets in the morning but Naumanullah scored an attacking 86 and Fawad Alam chipped in with an unbeaten 82 to add to the misery after Nasir Jamshed had punished the visitors on the second day. Naumanullah, who resumed on 46, brought up his half-century in the fourth over of the morning. Flicking an overpitched delivery from Christopher Mpofu to the leg side for two, he turned the next delivery past midwicket as the dressing room applauded a well-made fifty.

Price's introduction brought about the first six of the morning, with Naumanullah dispatching a flighted delivery right onto the sightscreen. The bowler, however, had his revenge soon. Deceiving Naumanullah with a slow, looping delivery, Price induced an early stroke and took a return catch off the leading edge. Afridi was in no mood to hang around - smashing a four and a six before holing out to long-off.

Alam remained unmoved even as Price picked up his third wicket - Kamran Hussain top-edged a sweep to square leg. He was content with defence, taking quick singles whenever he had the chance.Alam took 125 balls for his fifty, but thereafter shifted gears. He slogged Gary Brent over midwicket for his second boundary of the day and then smashed a full ball between mid-off and extra cover before pulling a short delivery over midwicket.

Left stranded 18 short of his century, Alam will be content with his determined knock, one that might prove enough to take his team to an innings victory on the final day.

Shoaib Malik fighting to get fully fit

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said on Tuesday he is trying to get fully fit ahead of Monday’s opening one-dayer against Zimbabwe, adding that he would sit out of the series if unsure about his own fitness.

“I will not play in the series, if I’m not fully fit,”

said Malik, who is yet to fully recover from an ankle injury that forced him to sit out of the last two Tests against India in Kolkata and Bangalore.

Malik is supposed to lead Pakistan in the five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe but is facing a race against time to get fully fit.

“I’m training hard and am hopeful of playing in the series,”

he said after attending a series of sessions at a conditioning camp that got underway in Lahore on Tuesday.

“But let’s see what happens.”

Malik, 25, was among the 23 players who attended training sessions at the National Cricket Academy held under the supervision of team coach Geoff Lawson. David Dwyer, the team’s physical trainer, carried out fitness tests of the participating players.

Malik said that he is hoping his young team would give a good show in the forthcoming series.

“We have some good youngsters who are likely to play in the series and I’m expecting positive results from them.”

Pakistan will field a few second string pacers in the series in the absence of their leading fast bowlers but Malik said that it would not hurt the hosts.

“Bowlers like Sohail Tanvir and Rao Ifikhar are good performers and I’m sure they will do well in the series.”

Patron's XI v Zimbabweans, Karachi, 2nd day

Patron's XI 361 for 3 (Jamshed 182, Raheem 77, Naumanullah 46*, Alam 28*,Chigumbura 2-61) lead Zimbabweans 209 by 152 runs

Nasir Jamshed scored an entertaining 182 to help Patron's XI gain a 152-run lead at the close of day two against the Zimbabweans in Karachi.

Jamshed's 240-ball knock rounded off a disappointing day for the tourists, who failed to impress with the ball and dropped crucial chances. Hitting 16 fours and seven sixes - most of which landed in the region between midwicket and long on - Jamshed shred a poor Zimbabwean attack to pieces. He made his intentions clear right from the start as Elton Chigumbura was guided to third man for a boundary in the first over followed by a straight-driven four off Christopher Mpofu in the following over.

While Khalid Latif and Afaq Raheem - who shared a 204-run partnership with Jamshed - adopted a sedate approach, Jamshed mixed aggression with defence. After five consecutive maidens were bowled in the first hour, he smashed Chigumbura down the ground followed by a pull to midwicket boundary. Jamshed was particularly severe on Ray Price, the left-arm spinner, who he lofted him over midwicket for a four before smashing two consecutive sixes in his following over, with the latter taking him to 97.

Jamshed brought up his century off 128 balls with a guided four to third man, before slowing down - no boundaries were scored for eight overs. He changed gear by dispatching Price over long on for his fourth six. Jamshed keenly took the singles with Raheem, who was solid in defence - occasionally pulling seamer Timycen Maruma's short deliveries past midwicket - to keep the scorecard moving and bring up the century partnership in 35 overs.

The attack was sustained, with slogs being employed on occasion. Jamshed smashed his fifth six to bring up the 150 partnership before Raheem joined in the action by ferociously cutting Mpofu past point. But the Zimbabweans got some respite after two more sixes went over the long-on fielder's head. Jamshed, perhaps too eager to get to his double century, tried turning Chigumbura down the leg side and the resulting leading edge was taken at mid-on by Gary Brent.

Naumanullah - voted the best batsman of the recently-concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - and Fawad Alam put on 68 for the fourth wicket, to keep the scoreboard ticking. Patron's XI will look for attacking strokeplay from both batsmen in the third day's morning session, and with Shahid Afridi, their captain, yet to bat, the Zimbabweans may be in for further punishment. However, with the pitch expected to deteriorate and take turn, Price might have a say in proceedings.