A top side would think twice (and decline) on the perspective of playing a five-match ODI in Zimbabwe. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-Ul-Haq would open for Pakistan for at least the next couple of series. That both these points would gain their highest momentum and Pakistan cannot inflict further humiliation on the hosts were the last thing on cricket followers’ minds.
On the fourth ODI (there is still one to go), Pakistan took the superiority factor to a whole new level altogether by breaking a plethora of records against Zimbabwe.
After winning the toss and batting first, Pakistan ended up with 399/1- their highest ever ODI total and Fakhar Zaman became the first Pakistani and the sixth in the world to register an ODI double ton. There’s more, the opening pair of Fakahar Zaman and Imam-Ul-Haq set up the highest-ever opening stand of 304 in the history of ODI cricket.
In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 155, losing the match by a whopping 244 runs. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan was the principal destroyer, picking up four wickets for 28 runs in his 8.2 overs.
The first-wicket partnership broke the record of 286 set by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga for Sri Lanka against England at Headingley in 2006.
When Imam-ul-Haq was the first, and only man out, for 113, snapping the gargantuan opening partnership, Asif Ali arrived at the crease and increased the scoring rate as he mashed 50 from 22 deliveries to propel Pakistan past their previous highest ODI total, 385 against Bangladesh in 2010.
Zaman hit a staggering 24 fours and 5 sixes in his 156-ball inning.
Pakistan already hold a 3-0 lead in the five-match series after routing the hosts in each of the first three matches.
After Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and batted, Zaman and ul-Haq quickly vindicating his decision, taking 59 from the opening powerplay. Zaman was first to his 50 in the 18th over, from 51 deliveries, with a fierce drive through extra cover.
He was also first to his hundred, in the 32nd over. It was the third ODI century in his career and his second in this series. Ul-Haq followed six overs later, while the world record for an opening stand fell halfway through the 40th over.
Zimbabwe eventually struck when Ul-Haq top-edged a slog sweep off Wellington Masakadza's left-arm spin to be caught in the deep, but Ali ensured that the runs kept flowing. While Zaman raced to his double century in the 47th over, Ali smashed five fours and three sixes to reach a maiden international fifty from just 22 deliveries.