Paceman Sohail Tanvir took a career best 4-34 to help Pakistan restrict Zimbabwe to 238-8 in 50 overs in the second one-day international here on Thursday.

The lanky left-armer took two wickets in each of his incisive spells to put the brakes on the tourists' innings.

Zimbabwe had been cruising for a big total on the back of Hamilton Masakadza's career-best 87 as well as an 81 from Tatenda Taibu.

Pakistan, who lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first game in Karachi by 104 runs, bowled well in the final overs after Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat on a flat but bouncy Niaz Stadium pitch.

The 23-year-old Tanveer dismissed opener Vusi Sibanda (nine) caught behind in his third over and then had Chamu Chibhabha (nought) caught at slip in his fourth over to derail tourists' innings.

Masakadza and Taibu repaired the early damage during a sedate 137-run stand for the third wicket. Masakadza was more aggressive, hitting 10 boundaries during his 103-ball knock before he was bowled by leg-spinner Shahid Afridi.

Taibu hit three fours in his defiant 111-ball knock. The 24-year-old former Zimbabwe captain added another 55 for the fourth wicket with Brendon Taylor (26) before Zimbabwe slumped from 211-3 to 220-8.

Tanvir, whose previous best figures of 4-53 came against India at Jaipur last year, returned for his second spell to dismiss Taylor and Taibu in his successive overs.

The match is the first hosted in the southern city since a one-day match against India in 1997.

(Article: Copyright © 2008 AFP)