Wahab scored his maiden fifty before picking up four wickets [Reuters]Mohammad Irfan used his height to full effect to take four wickets as Pakistan defended a low total against Zimbabwe to get its World Cup campaign back on track with
a 20-run victory.
The gamble to drop experienced batsman Younus Khan in favour of Rahat Ali to bolster the bowling attack paid off on the fast, bouncy pitch at the Gabba, after coming under question when Pakistan was restricted in 235-7 after opting to bat.
Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (73) and Wahab Riaz (54 not out) ensured a 200-plus total.
The 7-foot-1 Irfan had Zimbabwe reeling at 22-2 in reply, and returned in his second spell to snuff out a dangerous partnership, finishing with a career-best 4-30. Riaz returned 4-45.
Scorecard:
Pakistan 235-7 in 50 overs (Misbah 73, Chatara 3-35)
Zimbabwe 215 all out in 49.4 overs (Taylor 50, Irfan 4-29)
Source: AP