New Delhi: Pakistan trounced Zimbabwe by 57 runs in the first T20 International match played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday. All-rounder Tayyab Tahir was named player of the match for his excellent knock in the slog overs.
Tahir smashed 39 runs from 25 balls, pummelling four boundaries and a six, at an impressive strike rate of 156. He was complemented by 21-year-old Irfan Khan, who blazed 27 runs from 15 balls as Pakistan added 60 runs in the last five overs without losing any wicket to post 165 for 4 in the first innings. Earlier in the innings, Usman Khan played a calculative 30-ball 39 runs knock with two boundaries and as many sixes coming from his willow.
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza was the most economical bowler for the hosts, having picked one wicket and yielded just runs from his four-over spell. Meanwhile, Richard Ngarava (1/41) and Blessing Muzarabani (0/41) were at the receiving end from Pakistan bowlers, conceding 82 runs combinedly.
Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem star with the ball for Pakistan
Pakistan spinners led the show for the visitors with leg-breaker Abrar Ahmed and left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem claiming three dismissals each. Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani provided a terrific start to the chase, firing 33 runs in 20 balls before getting run out by Tahir and Usman.
With Raza and Marumani adding 59 runs for the fourth wicket, the hosts were cruising for the chase, firing on all cylinders, but the turning point was the latter’s dismissal. Zimbabwe couldn’t create any substantial partnership furthermore, with wickets tumbling like pack of cards. From 77 for 2 in the ninth over to 108 for all-out in the 16th over, Zimbabwe’s batting unit was arrested with Haris Rauf chipping in for a couple of wickets while Jahanad Khan got rid of Raza.
It was the first win for all-rounder Salman Ali Agha (as captain) who has been named as stand-in skipper for the three-match T20Is. The second match will be played on Tuesday (December 3) at the same venue.
All-rounder Tayyab Tahir was named player of the match for his excellent knock in the slog overs. Pakistan spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem starred with the ball. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
