Player of the Match
Player of the Match

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.

18.2
4
Sikandar Raza to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR, we are level! This series is alive, and Pakistan have pulled off the most comprehensive of run-chases! Slanted in on a length on the stumps. Shafique drops down to one knee and clubs it behind square. The handshakes and embraces begin in the Pakistan camp, and after the disappointment of Sunday, Pakistan have roared back!
18.1
0
Sikandar Raza to Abdullah Shafique, no run, shortish on the pads. Shafique punches it towards square leg. Three dots in a row now

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
17.6
0
Mavuta to Saim Ayub, no run, tossed up full outside off. Ayub lunges forward and pokes it back to the bowler. We go into another over...
17.5
0
Mavuta to Saim Ayub, no run, full just outside off. Ayub drives it towards the bowler, who sprawls to his right and keeps it to a dot. Ayub has a wry smile on his face

Pakistan two away from a win. This could be the last over of the game

17.4
2
Mavuta to Saim Ayub, 2 runs, much fuller on the pads. Ayub flicks it enough to deep backward square leg's right and canters back for two
17.3
2
Mavuta to Saim Ayub, 2 runs, on a length just outside leg. Ayub looks for the sweep again and top-edges it over the keeper for a couple of runs
17.2
4
Mavuta to Saim Ayub, FOUR, that is another stunning stroke! Zipped in very full on leg stump. Seems like Ayub does not have room to work with but his wrists power through. Shovels it right between deep square leg and deep mid wicket!
17.1
2
Mavuta to Saim Ayub, 2 runs, shortish outside off. Ayub sits deep in his crease and cuts it past point. The fielder gives chase and does just enough to cut it off

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

16.6
1
Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, 1 run, length outside off. Ayub waits on it and slaps it towards sweeper cover
16.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, no run, angled in very full on leg stump. Ayub pokes it towards short extra cover off the leading edge
16.4
1
Sikandar Raza to Abdullah Shafique, 1 run, fuller outside off. Shafique stretches forward and punches it to long on
16.3
0
Sikandar Raza to Abdullah Shafique, no run, angled into the stumps, played into the on side. That was bowled with a very round-arm action
16.2
1
Sikandar Raza to Saim Ayub, 1 run, back of a length. Ayub punches it past extra cover and picks up a single