Imam ton helps Pak crush Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO: Opening batsman Imam-ul-haq hit a century and legspinner Shadab Khan grabbed a career-best 4-32 as Pakistan crushed Zimbabwe by 201 runs in the first ODI for its fifth biggest ODI victory on Friday.

Left-handed Imam, nephew of former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-haq, made 128 off 134 balls in an imposing total of 308-7 after Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza won the toss and elected to field. It was Imam’s second career ODI century. The Zimbabwe top-order batsmen struggled against Pakistan pace before Shadab ran through the tail as Zimbabwe was bowled out for 107 with 15 overs to spare.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Murray top scored on debut with an unbeaten 32. 7 (Imam-ulHaq 128, Fakhar Zaman 60; Tendai Chatara 2/49) bt Zimbabwe 107 in 35 overs (Ryan Murray 32 not out; Shadab Khan 4/32).

BANGLADESH, IRELAND QUALIFY

MUMBAI: Bangladesh and Ireland have secured the last two remaining berths for the Women’s World Twenty20 to be staged in the West Indies from November 9 to 24.

Living up to their favourite tags, both Bangladesh and Ireland topped their respective groups in the eight-team qualifying tournament currently underway in the Netherlands. They will now contest in Saturday’s final which will determine bragging rights among the two teams.

Bangladesh topped Group A after registering a convincing 49-run victory over Scotland at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen.

Ireland, the 10th ranked team, secured top spot in Group B after beating Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 27 runs.