Malik century steers Pakistan home

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

Malik notched up a 76-ball 112 with 12 fours and two sixes to steer Pakistan to 3-375-3 on Tuesday, before restricting the tourists to 5-334 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 hit 10 boundaries and four sixes in his maiden one-day hundred as Zimbabwe also improved on their previous highest total against Pakistan, beating their 9-295 in Bulawayo in 2002.

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

Pakistan paceman Wahab Riaz was the best with the ball for the home side, taking 3-47 including the key wicket of Chigumbura.

Earlier, Malik scored his first century since his three-figure knock against India at Centurion in September 2009.

Malik built on a confident 170-run opening stand between Mohammad Hafeez (86) and skipper Azhar Ali (79) as Pakistan improved on their previous best total against Zimbabwe of 349 at Jamaica in 2007.

Malik had been part of a 201-run stand with Haris Sohail (89 not out).

Zimbabwe are the first major team to tour Pakistan since terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009 led to the suspension all international cricket in the country.

Massive security continued to be deployed at the stadium and for the teams, with 24,000 people watching the match.

The next two matches will be played on Friday and Sunday – also in Lahore.