The Pakel GSM Cup

At Multan, September 30, 2004. Pakistan won by 144 runs. Pakistan 6 pts. Toss: Pakistan. Oneday international debuts: Bazid Khan, Iftikhar Anjum.

Only eight days after facing fierce criticism for defying conventional wisdom and batting first in the Champions Trophy semi-final at Southampton, Pakistan appeared to repeat the error half a world away. Only an amazing blitz by Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi put Zimbabwe's limited resources into perspective and got them out of trouble after they had slumped to 36 for four. Panyangara immediately removed Yasir Hameed to become the second Zimbabwean (after Everton Matambanadzo) to take a wicket with the first ball of a one-day international. And when he dismissed the debutant Bazid Khan, son of the former Pakistan captain Majid Khan, in his seventh over, Pakistan were staring into the abyss. With ten overs to go they had advanced to only 147 for six but, as conditions became more batsman-friendly, Razzaq and Afridi cashed in, adding 107 from 45 deliveries. Razzaq had survived a simple return catch to Matsikenyeri on 33, and went on to score his second one-day international hundred from 111 balls. In all, he hit five fours and five sixes and reached his second fifty in just 21 deliveries. Afridi faced only 26 balls, bludgeoning five fours and four sixes. The last ten overs cost Zimbabwe 145 runs - and with it the match. Sibanda's stylish 57 from 69 balls merely delayed the inevitable.

Man of the Match: Abdul Razzaq.