Pakistan Clinches T20I Series with a Commanding 10-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe
In a display of sheer dominance, Pakistan secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a resounding 10-wicket victory in the second match at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Tuesday.
Chasing a meager target of 58 runs, Pakistan wasted no time in reaching the mark, finishing the game within the powerplay without losing a single wicket. The charge was led by left-handed opener Saim Ayub, who dazzled with an explosive 36 off just 18 balls, laced with six boundaries and a towering six. His partner, Omair Bin Yousuf, played a supporting yet vital role with an unbeaten 22 off 15 deliveries, including two fours and a six.
Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, had elected to bat first after winning the toss, but the decision backfired spectacularly as his side crumbled under relentless pressure from Pakistan’s bowling attack. The hosts were bowled out for a paltry 57 in just 12.4 overs, their lowest T20I score against Pakistan.
The home team had a promising start with openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett putting up a brisk 37-run partnership. Marumani managed 16 off 14 balls, featuring three boundaries, before falling to Abbas Afridi in the fifth over. Just three deliveries later, Bennett, who top-scored for Zimbabwe with 21 off 14, succumbed to Haris Rauf.
These back-to-back dismissals triggered a catastrophic collapse, with Zimbabwe losing their last eight wickets for just 20 runs. Pakistan’s spinners wreaked havoc on the middle and lower order, ensuring no other Zimbabwean batter could reach double figures.
Sufiyan Muqeem was the star of Pakistan’s bowling attack, delivering a sensational performance with figures of 5 for 3 in 2.4 overs—the best-ever figures for a Pakistan bowler in men’s T20Is since Umar Gul’s iconic 5 for 6. Abbas Afridi claimed two scalps, while Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, and Abrar Ahmed picked up a wicket each.
The emphatic win not only highlighted Pakistan’s bowling prowess but also showcased their batting depth and aggression. The team will now aim for a clean sweep in the third and final T20I scheduled for December 5 at the same venue.
Pakistan Playing XI
Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan (wk), Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Key Highlights
- Pakistan bowled out Zimbabwe for 57, their lowest T20I total against the green shirts.
- Sufiyan Muqeem recorded remarkable figures of 5/3, cementing his place in the record books.
- Saim Ayub and Omair Bin Yousuf ensured a flawless chase, completing the win in just 6.4 overs.
- Pakistan’s all-round performance sealed the series with one match remaining.
The comprehensive win has set the stage for Pakistan to experiment with their squad while maintaining their momentum heading into the final match of the series.
