Re: 3rd ODI: Pak v Zim at Lahore, May 31, 2015 (16:00 local | 11:00 GMT )
10:55pm: The final ODI has been abandoned. That is all she wrote for the night. Pakistan take the series 2-0. This also means that ninth-ranked Pakistan will stay on 87 points, one behind Bangladesh. The race for Champions Trophy is still on.
First a floodlight failure, then dust storm followed by rain. What an anti-climatic end to what has been a landmark series! And Umar says that the Zimbabwe players will go straight to the airport from the Gaddafi. They will be taking the flight at 3:30am.
So, Pakistan rose above adversity to host their first home series in six years amid tremendous odds and beefed-up security. Their adoring fans were treated to some run-feasts, Azhar Ali led front the front with his brisk batting, Shoaib Malik rediscovered his mojo, a few other old boys hit back, new stars emerged and many right from Azhar to Babar Azam got to play their first, first game at home.
The visitors did fight tooth and nail though the scorecard may suggest otherwise. It has been a great pleasure bringing you this historic series. Lahore was back alive, up and buzzing. She can sleep tight now. Thanks for joining us and keep coming back. Passionate chants of ‘ZIM-BAB-WAE’ still ring in my ears. Congratulations to both Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Goodbye and cheerio from all at ESPNcricinfo.
Azhar Ali has been named Man of the Series.
Iqtidar Alam: “Great series hosted by Pakistan”
Anonyms: “Even a 3-0 series would have kept Pakistan with 87 points. So, a no result does not matter.”
Re: 3rd ODI: Pak v Zim at Lahore, May 31, 2015 (16:00 local | 11:00 GMT )
Bangladesh host India in June for 1 test and 3 ODIs
It will depend on the outcome of that series and Pakistan’s away series vs Lanka in June
If India beat BD 3-0 and we win 3-2 vs Lanka (a big ask given our recent bowling performance. Batting remains iffy) then I think we will qualify
And I don’t understand why Sep 30, 2015 has been set as the cut-off date for qualification for a tournament as distant as 2017 (CT is to be held in England from 1st June till 19th June in 2017)
It would be nice to qualify but Pak should not let Champions Trophy qualification overwhelm their performance in Lanka. No one really gives a damn about Champions Trophy TBH. Seriously how many of us really remember the past CT winners but most cricket fans would know about past WC champions. The 50-over world cup remains the ultimate prize in limited overs cricket.
Re: 3rd ODI: Pak v Zim at Lahore, May 31, 2015 (16:00 local | 11:00 GMT )
I had my reservations about Azhar as ODI captain but to be fair he hasn’t done much wrong with the bat since assuming ODI captaincy albeit against weak opposition (BD and Zim). He has been scoring at almost a run a ball. Let’s see how he does in Lanka.
Re: 3rd ODI: Pak v Zim at Lahore, May 31, 2015 (16:00 local | 11:00 GMT )
You realize that all these good innings by Pak batsmen are on flat, batting pitches of Lahore.
We have yet to see their performances on other fast wickets or ones which have something for the bowlers.
But one thing i can say for sure, people like Shahzad and Hafeez will forever be scared to bat properly. Hafeez made some runs on batting pitches, so that means he will again be part of future teams…disappointing that he will stop a youngster from getting chances. We need to get rid of Ahmed Shahzad and Hafeez
Re: 3rd ODI: Pak v Zim at Lahore, May 31, 2015 (16:00 local | 11:00 GMT )
Actually Pakistan’s destiny is in their own hands. India-BD and Eng-NZ series results do not matter as long as Pak beat Lanka (by any margin). They will qualify for the Champions Trophy as WI has no ODI series scheduled till the cut off date (30th Sep 2015) for CT.