Karachi, January 21:

A record five half-centuries in a single innings propelled Pakistan to a thumping 104-run win over Zimbabwe in the first one-day international here today.

Skipper Shoaib Malik hit a 56-ball 63 in Pakistan’s 347-5 before taking 3-34 with his off-spin to restrict the tourists to 243-7. Opener Nasir Jamshed smashed a 48-ball 61 on his debut, while Younis Khan (79), Mohammad Yousuf (72) and Misbah-ul Haq (55 not out) made significant contributions after Pakistan were put into bat.

It is the first time in one-day international history that five half-centuries have been scored in an innings and eight in a match. Vusi Sibanda (59) and Chamu Chibhabha (52) added 56 for the second wicket but the tourists lost their rhythm against Pakistan’s spinners. Sean Williams was also hit an unbeaten 51.

Earlier, the foundations for Pakistan’s big total were laid by left-hander Jamshed who made his more experienced partner Salman Butt (four) a mere spectator in a brisk 45-run stand for the first wicket. Jamshed was caught off Chibhabha in the 15th over.