PAK v ZIM 2020: "We could have had a better ending", says Babar Azam despite second ODI win 

Pakistan sealed the three-match ODI series with a six-wicket win in Rawalpindi.

By Kashish Chadha - 02 Nov, 2020

Even though Pakistan took an unassailable 2-0 series lead with a comprehensive six-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second ODI, skipper Babar Azam felt the ending to the match could've been a lot better as he seeks constant improvement from his young lot. 

Chasing a modest target of 207 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan reached home inside 36 overs with Babar (77*) himself playing another fine knock and seeing his team through. But they were in a spot of bother at one stage, having lost four wickets and being saved only by a DRS review from the fifth. 

Read Also: Twitterati left in splits after "Pakistani style" run-out in first ODI 

"While we could have had a better ending, the overall result wasn't bad," said Babar at the post-match press conference, as quoted by Geo News

Apart from Babar, Imam Ul Haq (49) also batted well but once again didn't kick-on and play a substantial innings. The case was similar for Abid Ali (22) and Haider Ali (29), who both got out in their twenties. 

In the bowling department, Iftikhar Ahmed (5/40) was the pick of the lot while Shaheen Afridi (0/36) Muhammad Musa (2/31), Faheem Ashraf (1/30) and Haris Rauf (1/31) played their part in dismissing Zimbabwe for just 206 in 45.1 overs. 

Sean Williams (75) and first game's centurion, Brendan Taylor (36), were the only visiting batsmen to take the fight to the opposition. 

While each game count towards the ICC ODI Super League, Pakistan will still be tempted to try some of their fringe players in the final one-dayer on Tuesday (November 3). 

"Before the series, we came up with the goal of giving new boys a chance," said Babar. "Haris Rauf was given a chance in the first match while Haider Ali and Musa Khan were allowed to play in the second. More new boys will be given a chance in the next matches."

The skipper also said he is enjoying the added responsibility on his shoulders. 

"You have to look out for the whole team as a captain but I enjoy it," he said. 

By Kashish Chadha - 02 Nov, 2020

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