Pak crush Zimbabwe

Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq led Pakistan to a 119-run victory in the first Test against Zimbabwe with a day to spare on Tuesday.

Saqlain bowled a marathon spell of 31 overs on the fourth day as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 310 in their second innings 8211; chasing a victory target of 430. The tireless Saqlain applied relentless pressure on a pitch which did not offer him significant assistance, finishing with figures of three for 98.

Zimbabwe began the day on 19 for one having dismissed Pakistan for 369 in their second innings. They lost their second wicket in the ninth over of the morning when Alistair Campbell failed to get in line with a delivery from fast bowler Muhammad Sami and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal for 30.

Grant Flower joined opener Dion Ebrahim at the crease for a stabilising partnership of 111 for the third wicket in which Ebrahim played the anchor role and Flower unfurled several dazzling cover drives. Pakistan wasted a chance to dismiss Ebrahim for 24 when, with the total 60 for two.