Date-stamped : 31 Oct96 - 18:13 Thursday 31, October 1996 Malik pilots Pakistan to win Daily News QUETTA, Pakistan, Wednesday - Salim Malik steered Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket win over Zimbabwe with five balls to spare in the first of three one-day internationals on Wednesday. But captain Wasim Akram stole the spotlight, becoming the first bowler to take 300 wickets in one-day internationals when he trapped David Houghton lbw with the fourth ball of the match. Akram, who also has 311 test wickets, reached the 300 mark in 208 limited overs matches. Former captain Malik, with an unbeaten 72, was the architect of Pakistan's success in overhauling Zimbabwe's total of 237 for nine in 50 overs on a difficult batting strip. Malik, named man-of-the-match, faced 77 balls and hit six fours and a six. Aamir Sohail, who hit four fours and a six in his innings of 55, combined with Malik in a 53-run fourth-wicket stand. Zimbabwe, batting first after winning the toss, were earlier rescued by the Flower brothers, who added 143 runs for the fourth wicket in 168 balls after their team was reeling at 25 for three after seven overs. Grant Flower narrowly missed his maiden one-day century when he was caught by Shahid Afridi off Malik's gentle spin for 91. He faced 94 balls and struck seven fours and a six. His elder brother Andy contributed an invaluable 82 from 119 balls, including five boundaries. Pakistan's youngest player, Hasan Raza, was run out for 11 playing in his first one-day international. Source :: Daily News (http://www.lanka.net) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)