Zimbabwe clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third T20I, avoiding a series whitewash. Chasing a target of 133, Zimbabwe managed to win with just one ball remaining thanks to significant contributions from debutant Tinotenda Maposa and Brian Bennett. The match highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams in this T20 series.
On Thursday afternoon, Zimbabwe overcame Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling third T20I match held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, successfully avoiding a series whitewash. After Pakistan set a target of 133 runs by opting to bat first, Zimbabwe required 21 runs from the final two overs. The debutant, Tinotenda Maposa, made a significant contribution, hitting a four and a six in the last over to tie the game before Richard Ngarava scored the decisive run.
Zimbabwe initially flourished, with opening batters Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani providing a brisk start of 40 runs off little more than three overs. Bennett was particularly impressive, scoring 43 runs off 35 balls, but Zimbabwe faced a dramatic collapse, slipping from a comfortable 70-1 to 112-6, losing five wickets for just 42 runs. As a result, only Bennett managed to score above 20 runs amongst the other batters.
Pakistan’s bowling proved formidable, especially from Abbas Afridi, who concluded his spells with impressive figures of 3-24. The rest of the bowling line-up contributed as well, with Jahandad taking two wickets while Sufyan Moqim claimed the key wickets throughout the series, earning him the title of Player of the Series.
Earlier, Pakistan had a challenging start, losing three wickets for just 19 runs. However, captain Salman Ali Agha managed a steady knock of 32 runs, supported by Tayyab Tahir’s 21 runs. Eventually, contributions from the lower order allowed Pakistan to post 132-7 in their 20 overs, setting the stage for a competitive chase from Zimbabwe. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani was notable in the bowling department, claiming two wickets.
The T20I series between Zimbabwe and Pakistan was a closely contested affair, with Pakistan taking an early series lead after winning the first two matches. This final game was crucial for Zimbabwe as they aimed to avoid a whitewash. Both teams showcased their talents, and individual players emerged as key figures, particularly in crucial moments. The format of T20 cricket emphasizes quick scoring and strategic bowling, heightening the stakes in every match, making Zimbabwe’s victory especially significant.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s thrilling victory against Pakistan in the third T20I underscores the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. With crucial performances from players like Brian Bennett and Tinotenda Maposa, the match showcased both teams’ skills. Despite the series loss, Zimbabwe’s fightback highlights their potential and resilience in the shorter format of the game, while Pakistan will reflect on their inconsistent batting performance throughout the series. Overall, the match delivered excitement and valuable lessons for both sides.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
