Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sport Editor

A Blessing Muzarabani masterclass inspired Zimbabwe Select to an 80-run victory over Pakistan Shaheens in the second one-day match at Harare Sports Club this Friday.

Muzarabani was the hero of the day after dominating the bowling and the batting innings for Zimbabwe Select.

The lanky player came into bat with Zimbabwe struggling at 169 for 9, but he changed the complexion of the match after a quick-fire 50 not out enabled the hosts to a somewhat defendable 236 runs.

As if that was not enough, he snapped up four wickets with his fast bowling to give the hosts an 80-run victory and a two-nil lead in the six-match series.

Earlier on, the Shaheens won the toss and put in Zimbabwe to bat and as has become the norm, the hosts were struggling upfront after losing early wickets.

The top order once again crumbled with the first five wickets falling for just 57 runs before Clive Madande and Ryan Burl tried a rescue act with an 88-run partnership.

Madande was eventually dismissed for 43 before Burl followed shortly for 47 leaving Muzarabani to do the business and he duly delivered.

Muzarabani top-scored for the home side with a 50 not out before taking four wickets and was duly named Player of the Match.

Zimbabwe is using the series to prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers which get underway next month.

The third match is on Sunday at Harare Sports Club.