Pakistan crushed Zimbabwe by an innings and 116 runs in the first test, ending the match on the third day in Harare.

Led by Hasan Ali's nine wicket haul, Pakistan kept its grip tight throughout the match, bowling out Zimbabwe on 134, with Hasan Ali picking up a career best 5-36 haul. In Zimbabwe's first innings, Hasan Ali took 4-53, restricting the hosts to just 176.

In the end, Pakistan's 426, anchored by Fawad Alan's magnificent 140, proved to be too high s mountain to climb for the Zimbabwe team.

Talking to the press, Captain Babar Azam said, "We had planned to put 300-plus on the board, and then bowl them out for 150-200." He singled out Hasan Ali for particular praise, calling the finishing performance, "outstanding".

Fawad has now scored centuries on all four occasions he has passed 50 in Test cricket. Openers Imran Butt (91) and Abid Ali (60) also scored fifties for the touring side.

The second and final test of the series will begin at the same stadium on Friday.