BULAWAYO (Zimbabwe), Nov 23: The sheer class of Pakistan’s Yousuf Youhana and punchy back-up innings by Saleem Elahi and Inzamam-ul-Haq proved just too much for Zimbabwe in the first of five One-day Internationals at the Queens Sports Club here Saturday.

Their winning combination produced Pakistan’s 302-4 as a spirited Zimbabwe, who lost four quick wickets in reply, handed the tourists a close victory to take a 1-0 series lead.

Zimbabwe were only eight short of victory as Pakistan first showed some early complacency and then anxiety as Zimbabwe closed up on their objective.

Zimbabwe were in a desperate position after losing four wickets for 32 runs.

But Zimbabwe’s top player Andy Flower also lived up to his reputation by scoring 77 and Craig Evans left locals wondering why he has been left out for three years when he confidently made 68 before being run out.

Evans was one of three run-outs engineered by the Pakistanis, giving thoughts of what might have been in the home dressing room afterwards, especially as one of them was Grant Flower for a duck.

Youhana continued from where he left off in the second of two Tests on this ground earlier in the week when he scored 159.

His 141 was his highest in One-day International cricket, beating the previous 129. It was his seventh century in this form of cricket and he pushed his average to over 40.

Youhana also figured in two key partnerships as Pakistan kept the runs per over rate close to six the entire morning. With Elahi he put on 126 for the second wicket and 109 for the third with Inzamam.

Elahi’s 53 was scored in a relatively relaxed manner in 69 balls, while Inzamam’s 55 took only 58. It was the tall man’s 63rd One-day International half century.

The Zimbabwe bowlers came in for severe punishment by Pakistan with the exception of Grant Flower, whose 10 overs yielded only 33 runs and he took two wickets.

Pakistan brought in Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi and Azhar Mahmood for the match, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Sami and Saqlain Mushtaq standing down, the latter being not quite fit.

Zimbabwe blooded four new players, Stanley Matsikenyere, Richard Sims, Barney Rogers and Sean Ervine. Guy Whittall, originally chosen, was left out at the last minute in favour of Craig Evans, who was a surprise inclusion in the squad.

Waqar took the wickets of Alistair Campbell, Barney Rogers and Tatenda Taibu, taking him to within two of the 400 landmark in his 249th international. He is already second behind Wasim Akram in all-time one-day wicket takers.

Scoreboard

PAKISTAN: