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Anwar (103) helps Pakistan to get 271/9

LONDON, Friday - Zimbabwe came storming back after an indifferent start to leave themselves with a chance of beating Pakistan and qualifying for a place in the semi-finals in their World Cup Super Sixes match played at the Oval here today.

Pakistan threw away a splendid start to collapse from 183 for 2 to 231 for 8 in 50 balls to leave Zimbabwe chasing 272 for victory instead of a total over 300 which was on the cards at one time.

Opener Saeed Anwar had much to be responsible for Pakistan's demise as some of his team mates who gifted their wickets away needlessly to an off-colour Zimbabwe team.

Left-hander Anwar ran into form at the right time to score his 16th century in one-day internationals, but played an irresponsible drive shortly afterwards that saw the ball lob behind him for wicket-keeper Andy Flower to take a simple catch. Anwar's departure after scoring 103 out of a total of 194 in the 38th over gave Zimbabwe the breakthrough they needed. A run later, leg-spinner Adam Huckle trapped Pakistan captain Wasim Akram lbw with a full toss for nought.

Moin Khan and Shahid Afridi tried to regain the initiative by adding 33 off five overs, but the partnership was broken when Moin (13) was run out by a direct throw by Grant Flower.

Heath Streak who bowled an unimpressive first spell returned to take two wickets off successive deliveries by dismissing Azhar Mehmood edging to Andy Flower for two and bowling Abdur Razzak with an in-swinger which the batsman played all over.

At 231 for 8 in the 45th over, it looked as if Pakistan may not last the distance, but Afridi slashed his way to 37 off 29 balls and Saqlain Mushtaq kept his head to make 17 not out off 22 balls for Pakistan to finally total 271 for 9.

It was not a total they would have hoped for when Akram won the toss and decided to bat first on a pitch which was used four days ago for the India-Pakistan match.

Anwar and Wajhatullah Wasti, whose non-selection against India came for heavy criticism provided Pakistan with their best opening stand in the competition by scoring 95 off 19 overs. Wasti went for 40 off 41 balls (6 fours) mistiming Guy Whittall to deep cover. Ijaz Ahmed was run out for five in the most bizarre fashion when Anwar turned his back on a after coming down the wicket. Inzamam-ul-Haq was stumped by Andy Flower in the second attempt for 21 off the second leg-spinner in the side Paul Strang and, when Anwar was dismissed for 103 scored off 144 balls with 11 fours, Pakistan had contributed to their own downfall.

Anwar's knock was not one of his more distinguished centuries because he had a lot of luck getting to that. He was dropped by Campbell at slip off Mbangwa at 20 and was left off again at 85 when Andy Flower failed to hold onto an edge off Huckle.

Zimbabwe were handicapped by the absence of all-rounder Neil Johnson who was unable to bowl because of an injury, but they could benefit very much with his batting.

Pakistan need to win this contest to qualify for a place in the semi-finals, following defeats in their last three matches (two in the Super Sixes to South Africa and India).