Pressing case for inclusion
Malik's century helps Lahore beat Zimbabwe
Posted: Monday December 07, 1998 02:06 PM
| |
Malik saved Lahore with a magnificent 149 Shaun Botterill/Allsport |
LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) -- Zimbabwe lost to the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) by one wicket in a thrilling finish to the four-day game Monday, thanks to a magnificent 149 by skipper Salim Malik.
The former Pakistan captain, omitted from the squad of 18 for the second test starting on Thursday, gave a fine exhibition of his immense experience and skill as the local side accepted a challenging task of chasing 347 for victory in 75 overs.
The win was achieved with five balls to spare when Zaheer Kahn, who made 24 not out, steered paceman Neil Johnson through third man in fading light.
Zimbabwe, who won the first test against Pakistan, batted for 20 minutes in the morning before declaring its second innings closed at 239 for six, adding 28 runs in six overs. They made 394 in their first knock.
LCCA conceded a lead of 107 by declaring their first innings at 287 for nine.
Malik, under judicial investigations on allegations of match-fixing and betting, set about the target by opening the innings.
With Imran Farhat, who made 33, he scored 92 for the first wicket and then was joined by Babar Zaman (23) in a second-wicket partnership of 70.
Batting with aplomb and displaying a variety of shots, Malik and Shahid Anwar (75) further boosted the chances with their third-wicket partnership of 95 in 101 balls.
Malik, who struck 20 fours and a six in an innings spanning 166 balls and 212 minutes, was third out at 257 at the stroke of tea when he was clean-bowled by Murray Goodwin.
Anwar was seventh out at 325, falling to off-spinner Andy Whittall after hitting six fours and a six.
Whittall, who finished with three for 56, revived his side with successive wickets, but LCCA's last pair defied the Zimbabweans to earn an exciting victory.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
| 
