'We experienced what Barack Obama might go through'

Zimbabwe's cricketers were given a guarantee of $12,500 each by the Pakistan Cricket Board before they agreed to tour that country for a historic series last month, ESPNcricinfo has learned

If everything beyond the Nishtar Park Complex is ignored Pakistan can still host series, and perform better than they do anywhere else in the world. But is that a price the fans, and visiting teams, are willing to pay?

Azhar Ali said the series win against Zimbabwe boosted the team's confidence, and also gave him ample belief as captain ahead of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka

Zimbabwe made a formidable start in pursuit of Pakistan's 296 for 9 before the third ODI at the Gaddafi Stadium went through a checklist of delays, which prevented the match from progressing beyond the ninth over of the second innings

Stats highlights from the second ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Lahore

The final ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan will go ahead after the visiting team had a meeting with PCB and security officials following what federal information minister Pervaiz Rashid said was a suicide attack near Gaddafi Stadium during the second mat

Pakistan's win in the second ODI has reduced the last game of the series to a dead rubber but it's a match that Pakistan have to win to keep their chances of qualifying for the 2017 Champions Trophy alive

Azhar Ali followed up a 79 in the first ODI with his second ODI hundred - both as captain - to seal only their third successful chase of 250 or more in the last four years