Imran Nazir puts Pakistan in finals

ST GEORGE'S, APRIL 16. A stroke-filled maiden limited-overs international century from Imran Nazir helped Pakistan confirm its place in the finals of Tri-nation 2000 Trophy series, when it comprehensively beat Zimbabwe by six wickets at the Queen's Park stadium here.

Teenager Imran struck 10 fours and 2 sixes in an unbeaten 105 off 133 balls to anchor Pakistan to 205, after Zimbabwe was restricted to a modest 204 for seven off 50 overs on Saturday.

It was Pakistan's second win in the series and it will face West Indies in the three-match finals in Bridgetown (April 19) and Port-of-Spain (April 22 and 23).

The two finalists however, will get warmed-up for the real thing when they contest the final preliminary match on Sunday here.

The defeat meant Zimbabwe ended its first tour of the Caribbean winless and it will hope for greater success when it travels to England for a series of two-Tests and a Tri-nation tournament also involving West Indies.

The 18-year-old Imran, playing in his tenth limited- overs match for Pakistan, had scores of six and nought in the two previous matches and his place in the side appeared tenuous for Saturday's encounter.

He responded to the challenge however, with a barrage of shots that left his opponents bewildered and helped his side recover from its 96-run defeat to West Indies on Wednesday in Kingstown.

Pakistan was given a flourishing start of 49 in eight overs from Imran and Shahid Afridi, who was caught at cover off medium-paced bowler Andy Blignaut, playing his first match of the series.

While Imran was literally having his way with the bowling, Younis Khan and Yousuf Youhana made it look quite difficult before Pakistan declined to 78 for three in the 17th over.

Younis was caught and bowled by left-arm spin bowler Dirk Viljoen in the 16th over and Yousuf was bowled by fast- medium bowler Heath Streak in the 17th over.

A stand of 63 between Imran and Inzamam-Ul-Haq put Pakistan firmly on course. The two were never troubled at anytime by the bowling, although Inzamam appeared to have been lucky with an lbw verdict early in his innings.

In the 33rd over, Guy Whittall had Inzamam caught behind for 34 off 51 balls with Pakistan 141 for four.

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Section  : Sport
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