Cricket: Pakistan thump Zimbabwe by 6 wickets to win ODI

Spinner Iftikhar Ahmed grabbed a maiden 5-wicket haul while Babar Azam notched a half-century as Pakistan thumped Zimbabwe by 6 wickets to win the second one-day international in Rawalpindi.

The win gives Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead after they won the first game by 26 runs on Friday, AFP reported.

The final match is at the same venue on Tuesday.

With Sunday’s match, Pakistan’s Aleem Dar set a new record for umpiring the most ODIs with 210, beating South African Rudi Koertzen’s 209 matches as umpire.

Dar already holds the record for officiating in the most Test matches, with 132.

The two teams will also play three Twenty20 internationals on Nov. 7, 8 and 10, also in Rawalpindi.

Skipper Azam said the win would add to his side’s belief.

“It was a good show by our young team and every win brings more confidence,” said Azam, leading only for the second time in an ODI.

“We improved on our batting from the first match which is a good sign.”