Afridi, Wahab help Pakistan defeat Zimbabwe by 26 runs

Shaheen Afridi and Wahab Riaz saved the day for Pakistan, as they together grabbed 9 wickets to defeat Zimbabwe by 26 runs in the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Friday. The hosts, who were playing their first ODI since October last year, won the toss and elected to bat first. Imam-ul-Haq's 75-balls-58 and Haris Sohail's 82-ball-71 helped Pakistan post a 282-run target. In reply, Brendon Taylor and Wesley Madhevere's stunning partnership of 119 runs brought the visitors back into the game. While the newcomer Madhevere finished with a career-best 55, Taylor smashed 11 fours and 3 sixes, as he ended up scoring 112 off 117 balls. Soon after Taylor's wicket was picked up by Shaheen in the 46th over, Zimbabwe's outing was spoiled as Pakistan wrapped up by taking 4 four wickets for just 15 runs. The win provides Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series. The next match will be held on Sunday at the same venue.