Zimbabwe v Pakistan. 2013-14
Wisden's review of the first ODI, Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 2013-14
15-Apr-2014
At Harare, August 27, 2013. Zimbabwe won by seven wickets. Toss: Pakistan.
No venue in world cricket is more bowl-first than the Harare Sports Club in winter. For two decades of one-day internationals, Zimbabwean captains have referred to it as a "win toss, win match" ground. And so, in Harare's 100th one-dayer, Misbah-ul-Haq chose to bat first. It came as no surprise to see the Pakistan openers, who took 14 overs to put on 50, frequently playing and missing in the seaming early-morning conditions. Even the experienced pair of Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah, who made a fourth consecutive half-century in the format, felt the need to proceed with caution through the middle overs, and the final total was around 30 short of a strong one. The African sun finally radiated warmth after lunch, and the pitch sleepily basked in it. Masakadza took part in stands of 107 and 69 for the first two wickets, and it was evidently Zimbabwe's day by the time Williams cut Junaid Khan on to his leg stump without the bails coming off; the ball ran away for four. Taylor and Williams steered their side home, and it must have required great restraint for the Zimbabwe captain not to thank his opposite number for his contribution to their victory at the toss. It was Zimbabwe's first win against Pakistan in all cricket for 15 years.
Man of the Match: H. Masakadza.
No venue in world cricket is more bowl-first than the Harare Sports Club in winter. For two decades of one-day internationals, Zimbabwean captains have referred to it as a "win toss, win match" ground. And so, in Harare's 100th one-dayer, Misbah-ul-Haq chose to bat first. It came as no surprise to see the Pakistan openers, who took 14 overs to put on 50, frequently playing and missing in the seaming early-morning conditions. Even the experienced pair of Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah, who made a fourth consecutive half-century in the format, felt the need to proceed with caution through the middle overs, and the final total was around 30 short of a strong one. The African sun finally radiated warmth after lunch, and the pitch sleepily basked in it. Masakadza took part in stands of 107 and 69 for the first two wickets, and it was evidently Zimbabwe's day by the time Williams cut Junaid Khan on to his leg stump without the bails coming off; the ball ran away for four. Taylor and Williams steered their side home, and it must have required great restraint for the Zimbabwe captain not to thank his opposite number for his contribution to their victory at the toss. It was Zimbabwe's first win against Pakistan in all cricket for 15 years.
Man of the Match: H. Masakadza.