Zimbabwe vs. Pakistan: Winners and Losers from 3rd ODI
Pakistan clinched a 2-1 series victory over Zimbabwe with a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the deciding match.
The home side suffered a batting collapse in Harare, Zimbabwe, slipping from 89 without loss to 161 all out.
Off-spinning all-rounder Bilal Asif claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in 50-over cricket, while Imad Wasim weighed in with three for 36.
Pakistan had no problems chasing such a small target, with Asif completing a fine all-round performance with 38 at the top of the order.
Asad Shafiq—who had been drafted into the side to take the place of sidelined skipper Azhar Ali—and Shoaib Malik hurried the tourists over the line, finishing up 38 and 34 not out, respectively.
As Pakistan celebrate a series triumph, Bleacher Report picks out the winners and losers from the third and final ODI.
Winner: Bilal Asif
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Bilal Asif made an unspectacular start to his international career in the second one-dayer against Zimbabwe.
The 30-year-old went wicketless with the ball and also recorded a duck on debut. However, he seized his second chance to impress before Pakistan headed for home.
The off-spinner claimed five for 25 in his 10-over spell on Monday to help skittle the home side.
Asif started the Zimbabwe collapse by removing Chamu Chibhabha for 48. He also claimed two wickets in one over, taking a return catch off Sean Williams before bowling home captain Elton Chigumbura.
Not content with his bowling exploits, Asif weighed in with 38 from 39 in Pakistan's successful run chase.
Loser: Mohammad Hafeez
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Mohammad Hafeez made just 13 in Pakistan's successful run chase, meaning he finishes the series with a total of 50 runs at an average of 16.66.
He was perhaps a little unfortunate in the final ODI, as he was caught down the leg side by stand-in wicketkeeper Brian Chari.
However, his return against Zimbabwe was particularly disappointing considering he had played so well against Sri Lanka in July, hitting two half-centuries and a hundred in that five-match series.
Winner: Richmond Mutumbami
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Richmond Mutumbami did all he could to hold Zimbabwe’s innings together. While the ship was sinking, he manfully tried to scoop water out of the vessel.
The wicketkeeper-batsman made 67—his highest score in international cricket to date—with two sixes and five fours.
His knock was made even more impressive by the fact he took a frightful blow on the head, as can be seen in the photo above.
Liam Brickhill explained in his report for ESPN Cricinfo, "He was attacking from the outset and weathered a fearsome blow to the head from Mohammad Irfan, the ball knocking his helmet off his head."
Mutumbami was eventually caught behind by fellow gloveman Sarfraz Ahmed off the bowling of Mohammad Irfan to leave the score on 133 for seven.
After being struck while batting, he handed the gloves over to Zimbabwe team-mate Brian Chari.
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Loser: Azhar Ali
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Pakistan pulled a surprise at the toss; in fact, before the toss had even taken place.
Azhar Ali had been due to be out in the middle, but the tourists' usual skipper was ruled out of the match due to a foot infection.
Instead, Sarfraz Ahmed took over. The wicketkeeper led Pakistan to a comprehensive victory, though Ali returned to lift the trophy at the presentation ceremony.
Ali later tweeted: "Great Play B.I.G. Congratulations on winning the series. Thoroughly impressed by Bilal Asif keep it up. Can't wait to be back on the field."
Winner: Shoaib Malik
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Shoaib Malik completed a fine personal series with an unbeaten 34 from 28 balls in the seven-wicket triumph.
The all-rounder rushed Pakistan over the finishing line, making sure there were no concerns about bad light following the controversial ending to the second ODI.
He had also picked up a wicket with his off-spin, getting John Nyumbu caught by Mohammad Rizwan to wrap up Zimbabwe's innings.
Malik scored 161 runs in the three 50-over matches—including an unbeaten 96 in the second ODI—at a strike-rate of 87.97.
ESPN Cricinfo highlighted the player's excellent form in 2015 via Twitter: "Shoaib Malik's ODI scores this year: 112, 36*, 3, 55*, 51, 42*, 29*, 11, 31, 96*, 34*"
Loser: Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe had a glorious chance to secure a series victory over Pakistan.
They had won by five runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method in the second ODI, levelling matters and setting up a decider on Monday.
The home side seemed to be on course to set their opponents a challenging target at the Harare Sports Club when they reached 89 without loss after being put into bat.
However, they contrived to waste such a promising platform. They lost all 10 wickets for 72 runs to be bowled out in the 39th over.
Their total of 161 was never going to be enough, and so it proved as Pakistan eased to victory.
Now they must bounce back quickly ahead of a one-day series against Ireland, with the first game taking place on Friday.
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