Pakistan v Zimbabwe

At Sharjah, October 31 (day/night). Pakistan won by 29 runs. Pakistan 4 pts. Toss: Pakistan. International debut: Naved Latif.

Zimbabwe bowed out with their 16th successive defeat since they saw off Bangladesh at Bulawayo in April. But this time it took a fine performance from a great bowler to beat them. Thirty overs into their innings, the game remained delicately poised: the Flower brothers needed less than a run a ball, with eight wickets in hand. But Wasim Akram conjured a slower delivery to dismiss Andy Flower and, two balls later, a sharp leg-cutter to remove Ebrahim. Good fortune hammered Pakistan's advantage home when Grant Flower, nine short of a century, was run out via a deflection while backing up. Marillier heaved entertainingly, but to no avail. Pakistan's batsmen had failed to capitalise on a prosperous start. From 87 for one in the 15th over - courtesy of a 36-ball 58 from Shahid Afridi, including six sixes - and 205 for three in the 40th, 261 was a mediocre total. Inzamam-ul-Haq's return after serving his suspension was interrupted when a delivery from Olonga struck him in the box.

Man of the Match: Shahid Afridi.