MULTAN, Jan 27: A blazing knock of 85 off just 61 balls by seasoned all-rounder Shahid Afridi propelled Pakistan to a magnificent victory in the third One-day International against Zimbabwe here on Sunday as they took an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Afridi’s fantastic knock, which contained no less than six sixes, and a responsible innings by Misbah-ul-Haq (44) helped Pakistan to set the visitors a challenging target of 273 after a sluggish start which saw the hosts reeling at 78-5 at one stage.

In reply, Zimbabwe were restricted to 235-7 in 50 overs, as Pakistan earned their first ODI victory at Multan after losing the last three matches to India, West Indies and South Africa. After medium-pacer Sohail Tanvir had removed both openers Vusi Sibanda and captain Hamilton Masakadza and former skipper Tatenda Taibu was run out by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal after a fine throw from Yasir Arafat, the tourists never posed any threat.

Though Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor struck half-centuries while adding 105 off 129 balls in the fourth-wicket stand, the run-rate crept up during their stay. Once Shoaib Malik broke the partnership by having Taylor stumped by Kamran for a 76-ball 55, Williams soon fell to Afridi for 71.

Zimbabwe’s problems further compounded when Malik and debutant Kamran Hussain sent back Chamu Chibhabha (10) and Keith Dabengwa (0) in quick succession making the score 187-7. Elton Chigumbura (42) and Gary Brent (13), however, managed to take the total to 235 before the quota was completed.

Earlier, Afridi, who was later adjudged the Man-of-the-Match, contributed a precious 52-ball 85 and together with the in-form Misbah-ul-Haq (44, one six, three fours, 50 balls) put on a quick fire 116 off 90 deliveries in the sixth-wicket stand after Pakistan made a shaky start.

Afridi was the main anchor to again save Pakistan blushes following a splendid 27-ball 43 not out in the second match at Hyderabad. He cracked six sixes and also slammed two boundaries to put Pakistan back on winning track.

In the process, Afridi also equalled Sri Lankan former opener Sanath Jayasuriya’s world record of most sixes (245). Afridi was dismissed for the first time in the series when he was caught by Masakadza off medium pacer Mupariwa, who had triggered the batting collapse with career-best figures of 4-46.

But later Kamran Akmal and Kamran Hussain, each making 28, further consolidated Pakistan’s position. The home side finished at 272-9 in the stipulated 50 overs.

However, at the start Pakistan lost their way after opting to bat first. Amid some improved fielding from Zimbabwe, Pakistan lost the out-of-form Salman Butt, who survived a caught behind appeal and a close run out chance in Brent’s seventh over. He tried to hit his favorite cut shot, but was caught by Taylor off Chigumbura.

Nasir Jamshed was also let off by Mupariwa, then Zimbabwe’s hero with three quick wickets to reduce Pakistan to 78 for five. First, he got the prize wicket of Younis Khan, lbw for 10, before sending back Nasir, who was caught by Chamu Chibhabha at mid-wicket.

Nasir, who had scored 61 and 74 in his first two ODIs, contributed a 49-ball 32 with one six and three overs. But more quick shocks were in store for Pakistan. Skipper Shoaib Malik once again failed as he was run out for three by a fine throw from Sean Williams.

Two runs later batting icon Mohammad Yousuf (5) gave Mupariwa an easy caught and bowled chance to leave Pakistan in deep trouble at 78 for five in the 24th over, before Afridi and Misbah restored parity.

Both the teams showed two changes each. Pakistan dropped Rao Iftikhar and Samiullah Niazi to bring in all-rounder Yasir Arafat and debutant Kamran Hussain, who received his international cap from former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis.

Zimbabwe replaced their injured captain Prosper Utseya with Tawanda Mupariwa and Stuart Matsikenyeri with Keith Dabengwa.

A surprisingly low turnout was witnessed at the crucial game here on Sunday. The local fans were of the view that heavy police deployment to maintain security arrangements and fear of bomb blasts kept them away from the venue.

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