Nazir propels Pak to 349 against Zimbabwe

Kingston, Mar 21 (UNI) Imran Nazir slammed a career-best 160 -- highest individual score in this World Cup so far -- as Pakistan paid tribute to late coach Bob Woolmer by posting a mammoth 349 against Zimbabwe in an inconsequential Group D match played with an eerie feeling dominating the Sabina Park here today.

Imran's 124-ball heroics was, however, overshadowed by a 35-ball 37 swansong by Inzamam-ul Haq and the Pakistan skipper bid adieu a teary adieu to the ODIs.

In an emotionally charged match, Inzamam was given a befitting farewell as players from both the teams gave him a guard of honour as he returned to the pavilion for one final time.

Zimabwe grabbed few quick wickets towards the end as Pakistan batters tried to clear the rope. Pakistan were all out with a ball to spare.

The Pakistan today scored their highest total of the World cup surpassing the previous best 338 for five, which they scored against Sri Lanka but it was match would be remembered for its emotional quotient than the cricketing skills of any of the players of either of the team.

''We just went through motion. Nobody had the motivation. There was no team meeting, no strategy discussion. We played some football yesterday and went out to bat this monring,'' said Yunis Khan, the vice captain of the Pakistan team as skipper Inzamam remained inconsolable inside the dressing room.

Meanwhile, Nazir's second ODI ton, his first also coming against Zimbabwe, seven years back.

He began the innings in an aggressive, but controlled, manner as Pakistan shuffled their batting order. Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik up promoted up the order. Both came and went after brief efforts as Nazir passed fifty off 57 balls.

He passed his 100 in in 95 balls although he was dropped by Friday Kasteni on 81.

He went berserk then on and looked set to smash all records but was caught by Utseya off Mpofu.

Other Pakistani batsmen didn't have much to offer and credit must be given to Iftikhar Anjum who hit a 16-ball 32 as Pakistan mustered 97 runs in the last 10 overs.

UNI