Pakistan take 1-0 lead

Shoaib Malik hit his first century in six years to help Pakistan outbat Zimbabwe in the first day-night international by 41 runs in Lahore on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Malik, playing his first one-dayer after two years, notched up a 76-ball 112 with 12 fours and two sixes to steer Pakistan to 375-3 -- their highest against Zimbabwe -- before restricting the tourists to 334-5 in 50 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.

Zimbabwe tried their valiant best with skipper Elton Chigumbura hitting a rapid 95-ball 117 but the mounting asking rate proved too much in the end.

Chigumbura added 124 for the third wicket with Hamilton Masakadza (73) and another 74 for the fourth with Sean Williams (36).

Chigumbura was bowled in the 45th over by paceman Wahab Riaz who was the best Pakistan bowler with 3-47.

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: 375 for 3 in 50 overs (Hafeez 86, Azhar 79, Malik 112, Sohail 89 not out; Utseya 2-63)

ZIMBABWE: 334 for 5 in 50 overs (Raza 36, Masakadza 73, Chigumbura 117, Williams 36; Riaz 3-47)

Result: Pakistan won by 41 runs.

Player-of-the-match: Shoaib Malik.