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Pakistan edge Zim in T20

Harare - Mohammad Hafeez hit a half-century and took three wickets to guide Pakistan to a narrow five-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second Twenty20 international on Sunday.

Man-of-the-match Hafeez (51) faced 38 balls at the Harare Sports Club, smashing five boundaries and a six as Pakistan finished on 141-7.

Zimbabwe started the last over needing 20 runs to win, coming down to six runs from the last ball. The hosts finished on 136-7, with Tatenda Taibu 37 not out.

Hafeez finished with 3-11 by removing Cephas Zhuwao (12), Brendan Taylor (10) and Hamilton Masakadza (3). Seamer Junaid Khan took two wickets.

Pakistan won the two-match series 2-0, beating Zimbabwe by 85 runs in the first Twenty20. Pakistan also won the one-off Test and three ODIs to sweep the tour in all formats.

"We showed better character today compared to the last game," Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor said. "We came back stronger, but against quality international sides like that, it is always hard to get over the line ... But definitely there were positives today."

Hafeez was again impressive with the bat, going for his shots early to unsettle the Zimbabwe bowlers.

"I think the whole tour you can say Hafeez was tremendous," Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said. "He just performed well and today he was key for us, the way he batted and bowled, he was the major factor.

"We were just looking at anything above 150-170 but then, when we were batting, I thought the wicket was a bit slow and said even 140 was good enough."

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