A superb bowling display helped Pakistan breath fresh life into their Cricket World Cup campaign with a 20-run victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday.

Having lost their opening two Pool B matches to India and West Indies, Pakistan were desperate for a win at the Gabba.

Those hopes appeared in the balance after they limped their way to 235-7, captain Misbah-ul-Haq leading by example with a measured 73, while Wahab Riaz's unbeaten 54 boosted the total lower down the order.

However, it was Pakistan's attack that shone through as Zimbabwe - who have now won one and lost three in Pool B - were all out for 215, despite skipper Brendan Taylor's 72-ball 50.

Mohammad Irfan tore through the openers to return career-best one-day international figures of 4-30, before Riaz (4-45) tormented the middle order.

Misbah admitted in the build-up that his team were feeling the pressure and it showed after he elected to bat.

Another slow start saw Nasir Jamshed (1) and Ahmed Shehzad (0) both fell cheaply to Tendai Chatara (3-35), leaving Pakistan on 4-2.

Misbah and Haris Sohail (27) were careful, as Pakistan managed just 14-2 after 10 overs.

Sohail departed in the 21st over, before Umar Akmal (33) provided a bit of spark.

Sean Williams (2-48) threatened to turn the game as he bowled Akmal and Shahid Afridi (0) in the 34th over to leave Pakistan reeling at 127-5.

Zimbabwe's focus ahead of this clash had been on their death bowling, but the struggles were still evident as Riaz - batting at eight - lifted his team to a defendable total.

It was set up by 43 runs off the last five overs as Pakistan lifted the run-rate somewhat.

Zimbabwe's reply started badly as the short ball from Irfan worked twice, Chamu Chibhabha (9) and Sikandar Raza (8) both picking out Sohail at slip.

Hamilton Masakadza (29) and Taylor steadied the ship with a 52-run stand, until the former became Irfan's next casualty with an ill-advised slog that Misbah took at mid-off.  

Taylor remained a nuisance, one particularly fine drive over extra cover taking Zimbabwe past the 100 mark, but the match swung when he nicked Riaz behind.

The situation worsened when Zimbabwe's best hope Williams (33) cut Rahat Ali (1-37) straight to Shehzad at backward point.

Zimbabwe then lost three wickets for the addition of just two runs, as Pakistan turned the screw.

Elton Chigumbura (35) and Tinashe Panyangara (10) bravely put on 47 for the ninth wicket, but failed to score quick enough to trouble the 236 target.