Pakistan narrowly wins its first world cup match against Zimbabwe. The highly anticipated win allows Pakistani team to remain in their world cup race to qualify for the quarter-finals. Zimbabwe fought hard to chase an easy target of 235 but were reduced to 215 by the impressive bowling spells of Pakistani bowlers.

Pakistan had a low score of 235 to defend, but Muhammad Irfan got an early breakthrough and got two early wickets in his initial spell. However, Brendan Taylor with his partnerships with Masakadza and Sean Williams put Pakistani side under pressure. It looked like Zimbabwe would easily cruise through the total in no time.

The scenario changed when Misbah introduced Muhammad Irfan for his second spell. He went on to take two more wickets. Wahab Riaz too helped was able to take four crucial wickets which brought Pakistan back into the game.

Wahab Riaz was nominated man of the match for his all-round performance with the bat and bowl. He scored 54 runs and got four wickets.

With this win, Pakistan’s Net Run Rate is now at -1.373 and its overall position in Group B is at #5, just above UAE. To stay in the World Cup, Pakistan has to win its remaining matches as well.