Pakistan Shaheens (also known as Pakistan A) had a tough time on their tour of Zimbabwe. In the sixth and final unofficial ODI (List A game), Pakistan bowlers were smashed around the park in Harare by veteran batter Craig Ervine. On a flat deck which did not offer much assistance to bowlers, the visitors faced a five-run penalty for tampering with the ball.
No culprit found
So far, it is not clear who tampered with the ball but umpire Iknow Chabi who is a veteran match official of 50 international matches across formats levied a five-run penalty on Pakistan Shaheens.
What does the law say
As per the MCC laws of cricket umpires can ask the captain of the opposing side or the batters in the middle if they want the ball to be changed. However, irrespective of whether batters decided to change or play with the same ball, the fielding side will receive a five-run penalty.
Pakistan lose in high-scoring encounter
Pakistan bowlers had a tough day at the office as Zimbabwe Select posted 385/7 on the board. Shahnawaz Dahani who has made 13 international appearances went wicketless and conceded 105 runs from his quota of 10 overs. The most economical bowler was Mohammad Ali who conceded 32 runs from seven overs and took two wickets.
Veteran Zimbabwe batter Ervine smashed 22 fours and six sixes in his record-breaking 148-ball 195. He missed his maiden List A double century as he got run out in the final over for 195.
In reply, Pakistan Shaheens top-order failed. Rohail Nazir and skipper Kamran Ghulam kept the run chase alive with their 108-run partnership for the fourth-wicket. After Ghulam's wicket, Mubasir Khan smashed 115 runs from just 77 balls including six fours and eight sixes. Mubasir’s fiery knock helped Pakistan Shaheens put up a fight but they got all out for 353 and lost the game by 32 runs.
Pakistan lose the series
With Pakistan Shaheens’ loss in sixth unofficial ODI, Zimbabwe Select won the six-match series by 4-2. It was only in the fifth game of the series, they were able to dominate and win the game by 177 runs. Their second win game in a rain-marred encounter by five runs as per DLS method.
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