HARARE: (DNA) – Pakistan made a strong comeback against Australia in the fifth match of a tri-series at Harare, setting 194-run target propelled by Fakhar Zaman’s 73. Opener Zaman smashed a blistering 73 off 42 balls helping his team set a fighting total. Youngster Hassan Talat also scored impressive 30 for 25 balls including a six and three 4s.In lower down the order, Asif Ali provided much-needed thrust to the batting with his 37 off just 18 balls, followed by Shoaib Malik’s 27.
Stanlake remained wicket-less in his four overs giving away 30 runs. Of the seven wickets in 20 overs, JA Richardson and Maxwell got one scalp each. While AJ Tye dismissed three batsmen.
Earlier, Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl first.
The Aussies named an unchanged XI for a third straight match, having defeated Zimbabwe by 100 runs on Tuesday and Pakistan by nine wickets the day before.
Pakistan’s victory over the home side on Wednesday eliminated Zimbabwe from the week-long tournament, leaving the two visiting teams as the qualifiers for the decider.
Despite having qualified for the final, there remains plenty at stake for Australia in their three remaining games.
Pakistan have made two changes for the match against Australia, their final group game, dropping quick Hasan Ali and spinner Mohammad Nawaz for paceman Usman Khan and teenage Shaheen Afridi.
