Razzaq, Afridi shine as Pakistan thrash Zimbabwe

Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi produced brilliant all-round performances Thursday to earn Pakistan an easy 144-run win over a young Zimbabwe in their opening limited-overs international of the three-country series.

Razzaq struck an unbeaten 107 while Afridi hit a whirlwind 58 off 26 balls to help Pakistan raise a strong total of 292 for seven off its 50 overs.

Visumuzi Sibanda’s fighting half-century – 57 off 69 balls – was the only highlight of Zimbabwe’s innings, as the visitors were bowled out for paltry 148 in 38.3 overs.

Zimbabwe never looked to threaten the Pakistan total, with Afridi claiming three wickets for 18 runs off his quick leg-spinners, while Razzaq cleaned up Dion Ebrahim’s stumps and took a fine catch in the deep to dismiss Mluleki Nkala…