Nazir hits 160 as Pak thrash Zim by 93 runs

Kingston, Mar 22 (UNI) Imran Nazir scored career-best 160 as Pakistan posted a mammoth 349 and then thrashed Zimbabwe by 93 runs on Duckworth/Lewis system in a rain-interrupted Group D match here.

The result provided a fitting end to skipper Inzamam-ul Haq's illustrious one-day career, who bade a tearful adieu after playing a swansong 37.

With the win, Paksitan ended their world cup assignment in the West Indies salvaging some pride. Nonetheless, the result came too little too late after losing two matches and even their coach -- Bob Woolmer. For Zimbabwe, the defeat meant end of the road in the ninth edition of the extravaganza as Ireland, who'd sensationally defeated Pakistan and drawn with the African team, moved to the Super Eight stage finishing second behind the hosts.

Zimbabwe were all out for 99 after they were asked to chase a revised 193-run target in 20 overs.

Earlier, an eerie feeling prevailed over Sabina Park as the two team observed a minute's silence on Woolmer's death. Soon after Nazir's blitzkrieg took the centrestage. The young opener, who struck only his second century, belted the bowlers all over the park in his 121-ball stay. His innings included 14 fours and a world cup record equalling feat of eight sixes.

Nazir, dropped at 81 by Friday Kasteni off Brent, did the bulk of the scoring for Pakistan and at one time looked all set to rewrite batting records. However he was out trying to go for a big one off Mpofu.

Inzamam was next-highest scorer in the Pakistan team and the skipper left the field in tears amid a guard of hounour by the players of both teams.

Iftikhar Anjum That Zimbabwe were never in the hunt was clear when they lost their first wicket without opening their account. Opener V Sibanda alsted only two balls and was dismissed by Umar Gul when both the batsman and his team were on naught.

Gul struck again removing Chibhabha (3) in the fifth over and Mohd Sami sent back Friday to reduce Zimbabwe to 14 for three.

They were 30-3 before the rain came and revised target took a toll on them as they fell trying big hits in desperation.

Only, all-rounder Elton Chigumbura's 11-ball 27, including four sixes of which three in a row were hit off leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, was the highlight.

Inzamam took the catch of Mpofu to close the issue.

UNI