The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe provided thrilling cricket in Bulawayo, with Pakistan clinching the series 2-1. The contests ranged from Pakistan’s dominant displays in the opening games to Zimbabwe’s spirited comeback in the final match. Here’s a detailed account of the series:
First T20I: Pakistan Outclass Zimbabwe with All-Round Performance
Pakistan began the series on a high with a commanding 57-run victory. Opting to bat, Pakistan posted a competitive 165/4, thanks to Tayyab Tahir (39*) and Usman Khan (39), who laid the foundation for a strong finish. A late flourish by Tayyab and Irfan Khan, scoring 44 runs in the last three overs, proved pivotal. Sikandar Raza stood out for Zimbabwe with economical figures of 1/14.
Zimbabwe’s chase began in promising fashion as they raced to 77/2 by the ninth over, powered by Marumani and Raza. However, a calamitous collapse saw them lose eight wickets for just 31 runs, getting bowled out for 108. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem spun a web, claiming three wickets apiece. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack secured a comfortable victory.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 165/4 in 20 overs (Tayyab Tahir 39*, Usman Khan 39; Sikandar Raza 1/14)
Zimbabwe 108 in 15.3 overs (Sikandar Raza 39; Sufiyan Muqeem 3/20, Abrar Ahmed 3/28)
Result: Pakistan won by 57 runs
Second T20I: Muqeem’s Magic Seals Series for Pakistan
Pakistan secured the series with a dominant 10-wicket victory, courtesy of a record-breaking spell from young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. Zimbabwe opted to bat and started briskly, with Brian Bennett (21) and Marumani adding 37 for the first wicket. However, the collapse began with Afridi’s wicket-maiden over, and Zimbabwe crumbled to their lowest T20I total of 57 in just 12.4 overs. Muqeem’s remarkable 5/3 dismantled Zimbabwe, with no batter apart from Bennett crossing 21.
Chasing 58, Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub (36*) and Omair Yousuf (22*) made short work of the target, sealing the win in just 5.3 overs.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe 57 in 12.4 overs (Brian Bennett 21; Sufiyan Muqeem 5/3)
Pakistan 61/0 in 5.3 overs (Saim Ayub 36*, Omair Yousuf 22*)
Result: Pakistan won by 10 wickets
Third T20I: Zimbabwe’s Nail-Biting Consolation Victory
Zimbabwe bounced back with a thrilling two-wicket win in the final T20I, avoiding a whitewash. Pakistan made several changes, but their batting faltered early, reduced to 19/3 inside four overs. Salman Agha (32) and contributions from debutant Arafat Minhas (22*) ensured they reached 132/7. Blessing Muzarabani and debutant Tinotenda Maposa (1/27) led the Zimbabwean bowling attack effectively.
Chasing 133, Zimbabwe started strong, with Bennett’s explosive 43 anchoring the innings. However, Pakistan fought back as wickets fell in clusters, reducing Zimbabwe to 94/5. Raza’s dismissal left the hosts needing 21 off the last two overs. Debutant Tinotenda Maposa stole the show in the final over, smashing a boundary and a six to secure victory with one ball to spare.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 132/7 in 20 overs (Salman Agha 32, Arafat Minhas 22*; Blessing Muzarabani 2/25)
Zimbabwe 133/8 in 19.5 overs (Brian Bennett 43, Sikandar Raza 19; Abbas Afridi 3/24)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 2 wickets
Key Performances of the Series
- Player of the Series: Sufiyan Muqeem
Muqeem’s remarkable consistency with the ball, highlighted by his 5/3 in the second T20I, proved instrumental in Pakistan’s series victory. - Notable Performers:
- Pakistan: Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem
- Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani
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