BULAWAYO – Pakistan opener Imam-u-Haq scored 128 runs helped his side to record 201 runs win against Zimbabwe on Friday.
The hosts were all out on 107 runs in 35 overs in the chase of 309 runs.
Asif Ali made his one-day international debut for Pakistan while Babar Azam returned from injury as Pakistan were invited to bat first.
In-form Fakhar Zaman scored 60 off 70 balls, while Babar contributed 30 off 34 balls. Shadad Khan took four wickets while Usman Khan and Fahim Ashraf grabbed two wickets apiece.
“The one-day series is important, and it’s not easy to play Zimbabwe in their home conditions,” said Sarfraz.
Zimbabwe coach Lalchand Rajput promised Pakistan “a real fight” from a squad that still also includes several veterans alongside the rookies.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c&wk), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan
Zimbabwe: Chibhabha, Chari, Hamilton Masakadza (capt), Musakanda, PJ Moor, Murray(wk), Tiripano, Roche, Wellington Masakadza, Chatara, Muzarabani
