Pakistan set Zimbabwe target of 297 in third ODI

Pakistan has set Zimbabwe a tough target of 297 in the third and final one day international match of their ongoing bilateral series in Lahore.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan got off to a strong start, with openers Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali posting more than hundred runs. The visitors were unable to find any answers to their superb batting and desperate for a breakthrough, when Ali was run out. Thereafter, Zimbabwe's bowlers exerted good pressure and managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals.

However, a 23-ball 38 by an unbeaten Anwar Ali saw the hosts post a commanding total of 296 for the loss of 9 wickets at the end of 50 overs.

Sikandar Raza was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers, picking up three wickets for the loss of 59 runs, including the all-important wicket of Hafeez.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe needed a strong start if they were to chase down the total and at the end of eight overs, they had scored 62 runs for no loss.

Pakistan has already won the three match series 2-0.