Malik-inspired Pakistan restrict Zimbabwe

Captain Shoaib Malik led a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack to restrict Zimbabwe to 244 in the fourth day-night international at the Iqbal Stadium here.

Malik grabbed 3-55 as the tourists failed to capitalise on an innings-building 85-run stand for the third wicket between Tatenda Taibu (51) and Sean Williams (48) after Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to bat.

It was Malik who broke the defiant stand when he caught Williams off his own bowling, before sending Brendon Taylor (seven) and Taibu back to leave the tourists struggling at 132-5 in the 30th over.

Keith Dabengwa spoiled Malik's figures in the end, taking 19 off the last over to finish with 45 -- studded with three boundaries and two sixes.

Taibu managed four boundaries during his 76-ball knock, while Williams hit a six and four boundaries in his innings which lasted 56 deliveries.

Chamu Chibhabha (30) and Elton Chigumbura (24) also chipped in with useful contributions.

Pakistan, who have an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, gave one-day debuts to opener Khalid Latif and paceman Sohail Khan in the four changes from the line-up of the third match at Multan on Sunday.

Fawad Alam and Sarfraz Ahmed were also included in the side.

Pakistan rested experienced batsman Younis Khan, wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, Yasir Arafat and Salman Butt in an attempt to try out more youngsters.

Zimbabwe, without their injured captain Prosper Utseya for second match in a row, were further depleted after paceman Tawanda Mupariwa sprained his ankle in practice on Tuesday.

Mupariwa, who took four wickets in the last match, was replaced by Chris Mpofu.

The tourists were initially jolted by left-arm paceman Kamran Hussain who dismissed openers Vusi Sibanda (three) and Hamilton Masakadza (two) to finish with 2-32.

This is Pakistan's 673rd one-day match, surpassing India's world record of playing the most limited over internationals with 672.