Despite a floodlight failure and dust storm, it was the persistent rain that led to the match being abandoned
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
A floodlight failure, dust storm and heavy rain led to the third ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Lahore being abandoned.
Prior to the trio of interruptions, Pakistan opted to bat first and scored 296/9 off their 50 overs courtesy of opener Mohammad Hafeez and debutant Babar Azam.
Hafeez scored 80 off 80 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six, while Azam made 54 off 60 deliveries, which included four boundaries.
Hafeez and Azam were well supported by captain Azhar Ali and pace bowler Anwar Ali as they made 46 and 38 not out respectively.
Sikandar Raza was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Chris Mpofu snapped up two and Graeme Cremer chipped in with one.
Zimbabwe got off to a solid start in reply as Vusi Sibanda and Chamu Chibhabha amassed an unbeaten 62-run partnership before the floodlight failure occurred and the dust storm rolled in.
Due to a lengthy delay, Zimbabwe were set a revised target of 281 off 46 overs to win. However, they were only able to play one more over, which Zimbabwe got six runs from, before the rain came and the match was abandoned.
Zimbabwe stand-in captain Hamilton Masakadza was pleased with the way his side bowled, and said: “We have had a great experience. It has been good for the batters. We bowled well to restrict them under 300 and with the start we got we thought we could do it today. The weather did not allow it. It has been a big series, big for us and big for Pakistan as well.”
Ali, who was named Man of the Series, was delighted to have led Pakistan to a 2-0 win in their first ODI series on home soil in more than six years.
“It is a great team effort,” he said. “When the captain is in form, it becomes easy for the team. Babar Azam has performed well. The new boys are doing well and we have to take it forward from here. It has been a big series for us and Zimbabwe. We will correct the minor mistakes in the future series. I think the security was amazing. Credit goes to Pakistan government, Punjab police and Zimbabwe Cricket.”