Pakistan Defeat Zimbabwe by 57 Runs in First T20I

Shehbaz Butt / 4 weeks
December 1, 2024

Pakistan started their T20I series against Zimbabwe with a convincing 57-run victory in Bulawayo. Strong batting performances and disciplined bowling helped Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Pakistan Post a Solid Total

Pakistan batted first and scored 165/4 in 20 overs. Opener Saim Ayub made a quick 24, while Usman Khan steadied the innings with 39 off 30 balls. Tayyab Tahir was the star with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 39 from 25 balls. He was also named the Player Of The Match for his solid knock which helped Pakistan to a fighting total. He added crucial runs in the final overs with Irfan Khan, who scored a fast 27 off 15 balls.

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza was the most economical bowler, taking 1 for 14 in his four overs. However, the rest of the bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan’s batters.

Zimbabwe Collapse in the Chase

Chasing 166, Zimbabwe got off to a shaky start. Abrar Ahmed bowled brilliantly, dismissing Brian Bennett and Dion Myers early. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza fought back with 39 off 28 balls, but he received little support from the other batters.

Tadiwanashe Marumani looked promising with 33 runs, but his run out marked the turning point of the match. Sufiyan Muqeem and Haris Rauf cleaned up the lower order, as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 108 in just 15.3 overs. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem took three wickets each, while Haris Rauf claimed two. Haris Rauf also became Pakistan’s top T20I wicket-taker with 109 wickets, surpassing Shadab Khan with 109 wickets.