Pakistan secured a comfortable 57-run win over Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 international of a three-match series. The game took place in Bulawayo on Sunday.
Pakistan, seeking a white-ball double after winning the ODI series 2-1, decided to bat first after winning the toss. They posted a total of 165-4. In response, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 108 in 15.3 overs.
At Queens Sports Club, Pakistan were 100-4 with 34 deliveries remaining. Tayyab Tahir And Irfan Khan then merged into a pivotal 65-year partnership. They benefited from the loose bowling and fielding of the Zimbabwe side.
Tahir top-scored with an unbeaten 39, hitting one six and four fours. He shared the highest score with Usman Khan, who also scored 39, including two sixes and two fours.
Irfan Khan contributed a brisk 27 off 15 balls and hit three fours.
“Irfan and I talked to each other and decided to run hard, hit every ball and if we can’t get a six, then run.”
Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged the impact of Pakistan's late innings surge.
“The fact that we lost around 40 runs in the last overs changed the dynamic. “Giving it all up to 108 is a really hard pill to swallow.”
Raza, who also led the scoring for Zimbabwe with 39, proved to be their most effective bowler. His spin bowling ensured the wicket of Pakistan captain Salman Agha (13).
Zimbabwe's comeback began with a promising 59-run partnership for the third wicket between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Raza. This stand was a glimmer of hope for the home team.
However, soon after Marumani was bowled out by Usman Khan for 33 runs, Raza was caught at back point by Saim Ayub for 39 runs. The Zimbabwean innings then collapsed, losing their last four wickets for just 13 runs.
Jahandad Khan dismissed the dangerous Raza, after which Sufiyan Muqeem broke Zimbabwe's tail and took three wickets.
Abrar Ahmed also claimed three wickets while Haris Rauf took two, contributing to Zimbabwe's collapse.
The two teams will face each other again on Tuesday and Thursday for the remaining two T20Is.
Pakistan finished their innings with a total of 165-4 in their allotted 20 overs. Usman Khan and Tayyab Tahir both scored 39 runs while Irfan Khan remained unbeaten on 27. Saim Ayub added 24 runs to the total.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 108 in 15.3 overs. Sikandar Raza was the top scorer for Zimbabwe with 39 runs while Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed 33. Sufiyan Muqeem took 3 wickets for 20 runs for Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed also took 3 for 28 and Haris Rauf took 2 for 17.
Pakistan won the match by 57 runs.
Pakistan now lead the three-match T20I series 1-0.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
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