Hasan Ali ran through Zimbabwe and registered 5-36 to lead Pakistan to win by an innings and 116 runs in the first Test at Harare Sports Club, on Saturday, May 01. His match figures of 9-89 earned him the Player of the Match award. Zimbabwe were bundled out for 134 in their second innings.
Earlier in the day, Hasan scored a quickfire 30 before getting out to Blessing Muzarabani, who struck again on the next ball to dismiss Nauman Ali. Fawad Alam, too, fell prey to Muzarabani as Pakistan posted 426 runs in their first innings to take an imposing lead of 250 runs.
In reply, Kevin Kasuza (28) and Tarisai Musakanda (48) did well to survive the first 11 overs to take Zimbabwe to 36 for no loss at lunch. Hasan finally got the breakthrough with a nipper that struck Kasuza on the pad. Kasuza did not review.
A mix-up between Brendon Taylor and Musakanda cost Zimbabwe another wicket as the latter found himself way short of the crease when Mohammad Rizwan removed the bails.
Taylor headed the fort from one end but a rush of adrenaline brought his downfall. He pulled back his front leg, tried to lift it over extra cover but could not middle it and found Hasan in the deep.
A heavy defeat loomed large for the home side as they lost five batters for 118 runs by tea. After the break, Hasan got two wickets in three balls to reduce Zimbabwe to 125/7. He then bowled Richard Ngarava, the last batter, through the gates.
Brief scores:
Zimbabwe 176 (Roy Kaia 48; Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-43, Hasan Ali 4-53) and 134 (Tarisai Musakanda 43; Hasan Ali 5-36) lost to Pakistan 426 (Fawad Alam 140, Imran Butt 91; Blessing Muzarabani 4-73, Donald Tiripano 3-89) by an innings and 116 runs. Player of the Match: Hasan Ali.