Fakhar Zaman’s 210 not out in the highest score by a Pakistani batsman in ODI history

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman hammered a career-best 210 not out to not only guide his side to a comprehensive 244-run win over Zimbabwe in the fourth ODI in Bulawayo, but also hand them a 4-0 series lead.

Zaman joined an elite club following his spectacular knock as he became just the sixth player to score a double century in ODI cricket.

In addition, his knock was the fifth-highest in ODI history and the highest by a Pakistani batsman.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan made a glorious start to their innings as Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq etched their names into the record books with their 304-run partnership, during which both batsmen surpassed their centuries.

Imam-ul-Haq scored his third ODI hundred

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Zaman and Imam put together the fourth-highest stand in ODI history and the highest by a pair of Pakistani batsmen. Futhermore, it the highest opening stand in ODIs.

With Zaman and Imam dominating, Zimbabwe were tormented for 41 overs before getting a much-needed breakthrough in the 42nd as Imam was dismissed by Wellington Masakadza for 113, which came off 122 balls and included eight boundaries.

Despite removing Imam, Zaman and Asif Ali continued to punish Zimbabwe as they forged an unbeaten 95-run stand, during which Zaman brought up his double hundred and Asif his fifty.

Thanks to Zaman and Asif’s fireworks towards the end of the innings, Pakistan finished on 399/1, their highest score in ODI cricket.

Zaman ended up making 210 off 156 balls, which included 24 boundaries and five sixes, while Asif remained undefeated on a career-best 50, which came off 22 deliveries and included five boundaries and three sixes.

Masakadza was the only bowler to take a wicket.

Chasing a mammoth total of 400 to win, Zimbabwe got off to a horrible start as debutant Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was caught and bowled by Usman Khan for three runs.

Tarisai Musakanda was Usman’s second victim after he scored 10 runs, while captain Hamilton Masakadza made 22 before being caught by Babar Azam at midwicket off the bowling of Junaid Khan.

With Ryan Murray and Peter Moor falling shortly after, Zimbabwe found themselves in all sorts of trouble at 67/5.

However, Elton Chigumbura and Donald Tiripano refused to let their side go down without a fight as they put together a 69-run partnership before Chigumbura was trapped lbw off the bowling of Faheem Ashraf for 37.

Once Chigumbura was gone, Shadab ripped through Zimbabwe’s lower order, and also dismissed Tiripano for 44. As a result, the hosts were bundled out for 155.

Shadab was the most successful bowler with four wickets, while Usman and Ashraf snapped up two wickets apiece. As for Junaid and Shoaib Malik, they claimed one wicket each.

Zaman was named Man of the Match.