Dominant Pakistan Outclasses Zimbabwe in T20 Opener
Pakistan delivered an authoritative performance to claim a 57-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20I of their three-match series in Bulawayo, taking a 1-0 lead. The match, held on December 1, 2024, showcased Pakistan's grit as they overcame a challenging middle phase to dominate with both bat and ball.
Batting first, Pakistan set a competitive target of 165 runs. Saim Ayub, a late addition to the squad, gave Pakistan a flying start alongside Usman Khan, capitalizing on Zimbabwe’s inconsistent fielding. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan had raced to 49 runs, signaling a potentially high-scoring game. However, Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza turned the tide with a remarkable spell of spin bowling, conceding just 14 runs in his four overs and halting Pakistan's momentum. The visitors were restricted to 79 runs between the 6th and 19th overs, raising questions about their middle-order performance. Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan rescued Pakistan with a quickfire 65-run stand in the final 34 balls, ensuring a respectable total.
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Zimbabwe’s chase began brightly, with openers Sikandar Raza and Tadiwanashe Marumani countering Pakistan’s bowling attack aggressively. They reached 75 for 2 within eight overs, appearing well-poised to chase down the target. But their middle-order frailties resurfaced. A careless run-out ended Marumani's promising knock, sparking a collapse. Zimbabwe lost their last eight wickets for just 31 runs, succumbing to Pakistan’s bowling prowess.
Sufiyan Muqeem and Haris Rauf were instrumental in dismantling Zimbabwe’s lineup. Muqeem’s leg spin proved lethal, claiming 3 for 20, while Abrar Ahmed added another three wickets to seal the victory. The turning point came with Raza’s dismissal, after which Zimbabwe struggled to find stability. Their innings folded at 108 in just 15.3 overs.
This clinical performance gives Pakistan the momentum as they eye the series win. For Zimbabwe, addressing their middle-order vulnerabilities will be key to staying competitive in the remaining games.
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