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Pakistan secured a convincing 57-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday, December 1. Tayyab Tahir's unbeaten 39-run knock, coupled with an exceptional bowling performance scripted Pakistan's emphatic win.
Pakistan thrash Zimbabwe in T20I opener
Zimbabwe faced a challenging task of chasing a formidable target of 166 runs. Despite early brisk knocks from skipper Sikandar Raza and opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, Zimbabwean batting lineup struggled and was eventually bowled out for 108 runs in 15.3 overs.
The home side's chase got off to a poor start, losing two wickets within the first three overs. However, Marumani's aggressive batting provided some hope, as he scored a quickfire 33 runs off 20 balls, including four fours and a six. Unfortunately, his dismissal in the ninth over halted Zimbabwe's momentum, and the team was unable to recover.
Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem run through Zimbabwe's batting line-up
Following Marumani's dismissal, Zimbabwe's innings collapsed rapidly, falling from 77/2 to 108 all out. Despite a valiant 39-run knock from Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean batsmen were unable to withstand the pressure from the Pakistan bowlers.
Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, claiming three wickets each. Haris Rauf and Jahandad Khan also made significant contributions, taking two and one wicket, respectively.
Pakistan, after electing to bat first, got off to a shaky start. Young opener Omair Bin Yousuf, who had shown promise with a quickfire 16 runs, was dismissed by Richard Ngarava in the third over.
Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir's 39-run knocks in Pakistan's win
Usman Khan, promoted to number three, took charge of the innings with a resilient knock. He formed crucial partnerships with Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, helping Pakistan reach a respectable total of 165 runs. However, Khan's dismissal in the 13th over marked a turning point in the match. Usman Khan's 39-run knock off 30 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, made him the top scorer for Pakistan.
After Khan's dismissal, Sikandar Raza further reduced Pakistan to 100/4 by removing Agha, who struggled to score freely.
However, a crucial unbeaten 65-run partnership between Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Irfan Khan propelled Pakistan's total beyond 160 runs. Tayyab's quickfire 35 runs off 29 balls, including five boundaries and a six, and Irfan's brisk 27 runs off 15 balls were instrumental in this resurgence. For Zimbabwe, Ngarava, Masakadza, Raza, and Ryan Burl each claimed a wicket.
Meanwhile, the second T20I between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be played on December 3.
