Pakistan v Zimbabwe, World Cup 2011, Group A, Pallekele

Pakistan came into the game off a shocking display against New Zealand. On the same ground the bowlers had been flogged for 302, including 100 off the final five overs as Ross Taylor set up a 110-run defeat. They desperately needed a better showing and Umar Gul, the leader of the seam attack, ensured it today.

With the new ball he was quick - touching speeds of 148kph - accurate, and used the helpful conditions to generate considerable movement. His first move was to hoop a big inswinger past Regis Chakabva's inside edge and send the Zimbabwe opener on his way for a duck.

The next victim was Vusi Sibanda and though it was a useful delivery, Gul owes plenty to Misbah-ul-Haq who held the catch at first slip. The ball found some steepling bounce that Sibanda could only guide quickly off the face to the right of Misbah at slip. For a slip cordon that is usually so uncertain Gul could have expected the chance to go begging, instead Misbah moved sharply to his right to pluck it out the air and give Gul a deserved second scalp.

With that showing Gul proved his worth with the new ball but it is his old-ball skills that has earned him his reputation as one of the best ODI bowlers in the world. Reverse swing is not the common sight it once was in ODI cricket because of the mandatory ball chance at 34 overs but Gul is one bowler who always seems to find it.

Added to his ability to swing the old ball is his skill at delivering yorkers and after landing a few to try and restrict Elton Chigumbura and Prosper Utseya's spirited resistance he changed his length to strike. Zimbabwe had taken the batting Powerplay in search of an attacking finish to the innings but Gul shoved down a sharp bouncer which Utseya could only top edge and Kamran Akmal held the swirling chance. Had it not been for the rain that immediately followed to end the Zimbabwe innings early Gul could well have finished with more than his three scalps.