Pakistan made 347 for their fifth-highest one-day international total as they beat Zimbabwe by 104 runs in Karachi on Monday, as Younis Khan top-scored with 79.

Shoaib Malik’s team took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with a thoroughly ruthless performance, at least with the bat, as their under-strength bowling unit struggled as Zimbabwe replied with a spirited 243-7.

Pakistan debutant Nasir Jamshed crashed 61 from 48 deliveries with three sixes, while Younis required just 68 balls for his cameo. Mohammed Yousuf made 72 from 74 balls, while skipper Shoaib Malik hit 63 from 56 balls. Number six batsman and star finisher Misbah-ul-Haq accelerated Pakistan’s innings with 55 not out from 38 balls at the close.

The last time Pakistan faced the Zimbabweans, who no longer play Tests because of the internal politics that forced several high-profile cricketers to quit the team, they racked up 349 in their final 2007 World Cup match in Kingston – played under a highly emotive atmosphere days after coach Bob Woolmer’s death and the last match with Inzamam-ul-Haq as captain.

Vusi Sibanda (59), Chamu Chibhabha (52) and Sean Williams (52 not out) chipped in with half-centuries as Zimbabwe made Pakistan work for their victory.