1:51pm That will be all from us for today. Hope you enjoyed our coverage and we will be back on Thursday, as both teams look to win the series. Until then, this is goodbye from Chandan, Rvel, Vairavan and myself. Take care, everyone!
Saim Ayub, Player of the Match: We already forgot the first game and we will try to forget this game as well, as we are trying to stay in the present and take it one game at a time. In the previous match, the ball was stopping more and the weather was also different. Today, it was slow on one side and better from the other. You had to be careful and I didn't think I could use all my shots. We practice for all kinds of pitches, not just one kind.
Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan captain: (On bouncing back after Sunday) I told them the past is the past. If you are talking with me now, this (game) is in the past. The way the guys started with the ball, they performed very well and gave us the foundation. After that, Saim Ayub's innings was exceptional. He (Abrar) is an exceptional bowler, a very talented bowler. Unfortunately, he got injured and didn't get a chance. What he bowled today, it is only 70% (of his bowling) and hopefully he can come with 100% of what we know Abrar Ahmed can do.
Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe captain: Today's wicket was a lot better than the first game. We did not apply ourselves for long enough and did not build any substantial partnerships. Finding that balance between playing that attacking brand of cricket and spending time out there, batting the 50 overs. When you go back to the dressing room (after getting out), there are still 35 overs left. Guys need to take a hard look at themselves, including myself and be a little hard on each other. They (Pakistan) utilized the conditions better than us. They have some quality bowlers in their armoury. The wicket flattened out nicely in the afternoon. In hindsight, we might have bowled first. We have to regroup and put up a good performance on Thursday. They (Muzarabani and Ngarava) have done extremely well for us in the past. They are a good pair up front and pretty sure they will strike soon.
Mustafa Moudi: "Now both the Pakistan openers' Best Score is 113!!"
1:32pm Clinical, classy and comfortable - three words that sum up this chase. Ayub looked so much in control and he barely broke into a sweat, despite registering the joint third-fastest ODI hundred for Pakistan. The drives he played were gorgeous and the way he kept attacking was a breath of fresh air. Shafique did not flow as freely, but he did his job well, supporting Ayub from the other end and ensuring Pakistan notched up a magnificent ten-wicket win.
Zimbabwe just did not have enough on the board. On a pitch that looked good, they struggled with the bat and that spilled over into the second innings. They will have to pick themselves up now for the series decider, slated to take place on Thursday.
Two needed still. Surely Pakistan will get it done this over? Raza to bowl
END OF OVER:18 | 10 Runs | PAK: 144/0 (2 runs required from 32 overs, RR: 8.00, RRR: 0.06)
- Saim Ayub113 (62b)
- Abdullah Shafique28 (46b)
- Brandon Mavuta4-0-47-0
- Sikandar Raza4-0-26-0
Pakistan two away from a win. This could be the last over of the game
Mavuta again. Over the wicket to Ayub
END OF OVER:17 | 7 Runs | PAK: 134/0 (12 runs required from 33 overs, RR: 7.88, RRR: 0.36)
- Saim Ayub103 (56b)
- Abdullah Shafique28 (46b)
- Sikandar Raza4-0-26-0
- Brandon Mavuta3-0-37-0
Time for a drinks break, with Pakistan needing just 12 more to level this series