Five-star Ashraf helps Pakistan seal series win against Zimbabwe

All-rounder claims career-best five for 22 as the Men in Green register nine-wicket win in third ODI on Wednesday

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s magical spell of fast-bowling helped Pakistan clinch the five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe with a thumping nine-wicket win in the third game in Bulawayo on Wednesday as the visitors claimed an unassailable 3-0 lead.

After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe was dismissed for just 67 in 25.1 overs, courtesy Ashraf’s career-best figures of 5-22.

He was well-supported by fellow pacer Junaid Khan, who claimed two wickets and just gave away just seven runs in his five overs.

In reply, the Sarfraz Ahmed-led unit cruised to the target in just 9.5 overs at the expense of one wicket. Opener Fakhar Zaman finished with an unbeaten 43 off 24 balls, whereas Babar Azam remained not out on 19.

The fourth ODI of the series will be played on Friday at the same venue.