Pakistan clinched a 57-run win over Zimbabwe in the first T20 match, largely due to stellar performances from spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed. Pakistan scored 165-4, while Zimbabwe was bowled out for 108. Despite efforts from Raza and Marumani, Zimbabwe’s batting faltered as they lost their last eight wickets for only 31 runs. The next match is set for Tuesday.
In the inaugural T20 international, Pakistan secured a decisive 57-run victory against Zimbabwe, driven by a formidable performance from their spin bowlers. Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, managed to score 165 runs for the loss of four wickets, anchored by Tayyab Tahir’s unbeaten 39 runs off 26 balls and Irfan Khan’s 27 runs off 15 balls. The two batters collaborated for a vital 65-run partnership that significantly boosted the team’s total in the closing overs.
Zimbabwe’s response faltered under pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, who dismantled their batting lineup for just 108 runs in 15.3 overs. Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed both claimed three wickets each, with Muqeem boasting impressive figures of 3 wickets for just 20 runs. Zimbabwe’s middle order crumbled as they lost their last eight wickets for a mere 31 runs, succumbing to the effectiveness of Pakistan’s spin attack. Although captain Sikandar Raza and Tadiwanashe Marumani started strong, their contributions were insufficient to avert the collapse. Raza posted 39 runs from 28 balls, while Marumani added 33 runs off 20.
The match showcased Pakistan’s dominance in the spin department, particularly highlighted by Haris Rauf’s performance, who surpassed Shadab Khan’s previous record with a total of 108 T20 wickets for Pakistan. He concluded the match with figures of 2 wickets for 17 runs. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s spinners managed to restrict Pakistan during the middle overs, but they ultimately faltered in the field, where missed opportunities cost them valuable wickets.
The match is part of a bilateral series following Pakistan’s earlier ODI triumph over Zimbabwe. The second T20 encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, followed by the third match on Thursday, both to be held in Bulawayo. With several key players absent from the T20 series, Pakistan’s performance is a promising indication of the depth in their squad.
The first T20 match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe serves as a continuation of their cricketing rivalry, following Pakistan’s recent ODI series victory. The match took place amid expectations of competitive play, although Pakistan entered the T20 series without several of its star white-ball players, including captain Mohammad Rizwan. This match not only highlights the strengths of Pakistan’s spin bowlers but also points towards Zimbabwe’s struggles in the international arena. Given the shifting dynamics in each team’s setup, the performance in this T20 series will be critical for assessing future developments in their cricketing paths.
In summary, Pakistan’s emphatic victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20 match was characterized by exceptional bowling prowess, particularly from spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, who collectively dismantled the opposition’s batting order. Despite a promising start from Zimbabwe’s captain, the team’s batting collapse underscored their vulnerabilities against spin. With the second T20 approaching, both teams will look to build on this initial outing as they continue their series in Bulawayo.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
