Zimbabwe fell just short in their run chase against Pakistan in the World Cup at the Gabba this morning, losing by 20 runs after being bowled out in the final over.
Pakistan posted a total of 235-7 off their 50 overs, setting Zimbabwe a target of 236 for victory in Brisbane.
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It did not take long for Pakistan to break up the opening partnership as Chamu Chibhabha (9) was dismissed in the fifth over, after edging the ball to Haris Sohail at slip.
Sikandar Raza soon followed, while Mohammad Irfan claimed his third wicket of the day to end a 52-run partnership between Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor.
Taylor continued to battle hard for his runs, but was dismissed just after securing his half-century, while Sean Williams was out for 33, reducing Zimbabwe to 150-5.
Irfan and Wahab Riaz continued to cause problems for the batsmen, with the latter picking up two wickets in the 40th over to leave Zimbabwe on the ropes at 168-8.
However, Elton Chigumbura was joined by Tinashe Panyangara at the crease to get his side back into contention, leaving them needing just 28 off the final three overs.
Riaz bowled a maiden in the 48th over to leave Zimbabwe still needing 28 runs with just 12 balls remaining, while Chigumbura added just four in the penultimate over.
Still looking for 21 with four balls to go, Zimbabwe pushed for a quick single, resulting in Panyangara being run out.
Tendai Chatara tried to smash the ball on his first delivery, but he edged it behind to Misbah-ul-Haq, handing Pakistan their first win of the tournament.
Sian Cowper
