World Cup debutant Asad Shafiq hit a well composed half-century and propelled Pakistan to an emphatic 7-wicket win against Zimbabwe via the Duckworth Lewis Method in a rain-affected World Cup Group A match at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Monday.
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Shafiq hit an unbeaten 78 off 97 balls while opener Mohammad Hafeez made 49 as Pakistan achieved the rain-revised target of 162 in 34.1 overs.
Earlier in the day, the Pakistani pace attack, spearheaded by Umar Gul, restricted Zimbabwe to 151 for seven in 39.4 overs after a second rain delay.
The Pakistan-target was revised to 162 in 38 overs, according to the Duckworth/Lewis-method of recalculation.
The rain interruptions played havoc with Zimbabwe?s chances of exploiting the third batting power play to resurrect their faltering innings.
After the first delay, the match was reduced to 43 overs per team, with the third batting power play shortened to two overs.
Unfortunately Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura?s decision to bat first backfired. They lost their in-form opener Brendan Taylor in the first over for 4 when he was caught behind of a late away-swinger from Abdul Razzaq.
Gul captured 3/36 in 7.4 overs and reduced Zimbabwe to 13/3. He trapped Regis Chikabva in front for a duck in his first over, and then had Vusi Sibanda caught at second slip by Misbah ul Haq for 5.
Greg Ervine scored his third half-century in One Day Internationals before he failed to read a quick, straight delivery by the off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez. He was bowled for 52, faced 82 deliveries and scored five fours.