Fakhar Zaman 210* against Zimbabwe fourth ODI. ENNS
BULAWAYO/KARACHI (ENNS) Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq’s opening partnership of 304 helped Pakistan post a record-breaking total of 399 against Zimbabwe in the fourth ODI on Friday.
This was was the highest opening partnership in ODI history beating 286 between Sri Lanka’s Jayasuriya and Tharanga against England in Leeds in 2006.
Opener Fakhar Zaman became Pakistan’s first double centurion in one-day international cricket, achieving the accolade during ODI.
With this feat, he also became the country’s highest scorer in any ODI, surpassing Saeed Anwar’s 21-year old record of 194.
The 28-year old left-handed batsman, who rose to global fame with a match-winning ton in Champions Trophy 2017 final against India, is the sixth batsman to score a double hundred in ODIs.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and decided to bat.
Pakistan have dominated the ODI series, bowling Zimbabwe out for 67 on Wednesday to go 3-0 up. With the series secured, Pakistan had the opportunity to experiment with their playing XI, but opted to go unchanged into the fourth match.
There were two changes for the Zimbabweans, with Chamu Chibhabha and Prince Masvaure swapped for seamer Donald Tiripano and top order batsman Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, who will be making his international debut.
Pakistan is eyeing its fourth straight ODI win as they take on a depleted Zimbabwe after seizing a 3-0 lead in the series.
Opener Fakhar Zaman continued his good run of form to see Pakistan home in the 10th over with an unbeaten 43.
Sarfraz Ahmed, hailing his team’s performance, hinted at giving more chances to the youngsters in the remaining two matches. The fifth and final fixture of the series will be played on Sunday at the same ground.
