Pakistan Triumphs Over Zimbabwe in First T20I with 57-Run Victory
Bulawayo, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan secured a commanding 57-run victory against Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Bulawayo Athletic Club, thanks to a stellar bowling performance that bowled out the hosts for 108 runs in just 15.3 overs.
Set a target of 166, Zimbabwe’s chase faltered early, with two wickets falling for just 18 runs within the first three overs. Opener Tadiwanashe Marumani offered a glimmer of hope with an aggressive 33 off 20 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Captain Sikandar Raza anchored the innings with a top score of 39, but his efforts fell short as Zimbabwe collapsed from 77/2 to 108 all out.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, who took three wickets each. Haris Rauf added two crucial scalps, while Jahandad Khan contributed with one wicket.
Pakistan’s Competitive Total
Earlier, Pakistan elected to bat and posted a competitive total of 165 runs. Despite losing opener Omair Yousuf for 16, Usman Khan steadied the innings with a well-crafted 39. Contributions from Saim Ayub (24) and Salman Agha (13) laid the groundwork, but it was the dynamic partnership between Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan that proved pivotal.
Tahir scored 39 runs, while Irfan’s quickfire 27 off 15 balls gave Pakistan the late momentum needed to reach a challenging target.
Key Performances
- Pakistan Bowling: Abrar Ahmed (3/19), Sufiyan Muqeem (3/22), Haris Rauf (2/21)
- Zimbabwe Batting: Sikandar Raza (39), Tadiwanashe Marumani (33)
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Omair Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.
Zimbabwe: Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Wellington Masakadza.
Looking Ahead
The two teams will face off in the second T20I of the series, where Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back and Pakistan will look to secure the series victory.
