Pakistan’s batting order plummets once again in their crucial match against Zimbabwe. They could only manage to score 235 runs in 50 overs putting a lot of pressure on their bowlers to defend such a low total. Pakistan could not afford to lose this match and is a must win if the team is to remain alive in World Cup.
Pakistan has already lost its first two matches against India and West Indies. It holds the last position on the points table in pool B, having a Net Run Rate of -2.260. They virtually have to win all their matches against Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates, and Ireland to stay alive in World Cup.
Imran Khan, who captained Pakistani team to a world cup victory in 1992, said Pakistani team must fight like a cornered tiger. “Misbah-ul-Huq should get rid of his defensive strategy”, said Khan.
Pakistan batting order struggled against the not so experienced bowlers of Zimbabwe. The openers Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad got out for 1 and 0 runs respectively. This put a tremendous pressure on the batting and Misbah had to work hard to keep the wickets in hand.
In the end, it was the 73 runs of Misbah and a quick fifty of Wahab Riaz that brought Pakistan to a bit decent total of 235 runs.