In the opening match of the 3-match T20I series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, played at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on December 1, 2024, Pakistan claimed a commanding 57-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Image Source : PTI |
Match Summary
Pakistan's Innings:
Pakistan set a competitive target of 165 for 4 in their 20 overs, thanks to strong performances from Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
- Tayyab Tahir: A match-winning unbeaten 39 runs off 25 balls, including 4 fours and a six, with a strike rate of 156.
- Usman Khan: Contributed 39 runs off 30 balls with 2 sixes and 2 fours at a strike rate of 130.
- Irfan Khan: Played a quick cameo, scoring 27* off 15 balls with 3 boundaries at a strike rate of 180.
- Saim Ayub: Added 24 runs off 18 balls, hitting 2 fours and a six.
Zimbabwe's bowlers shared wickets evenly, with Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, Ryan Burl, and Richard Ngarava each taking one wicket.
Zimbabwe's Innings:
Chasing 165, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 108 in just 15.3 overs, unable to counter Pakistan's clinical bowling attack.
- Top Scorers:
- Sikandar Raza: Scored 39 off 28 balls with 4 fours at a strike rate of 139.28.
- Tadiwanashe Marumani: Hammered 33 off 20 balls, including 4 fours and a six, at a strike rate of 165.
Pakistan's Bowling Highlights:
- Sufiyan Muqeem: Took 3 wickets for 20 runs in his 4 overs, delivering a crucial spell.
- Abrar Ahmed: Also picked up 3 wickets for 28 runs in 3.3 overs.
- Haris Rauf: Claimed 2 wickets, while Jahandad Khan added 1 wicket.
Match Stats:
- Pakistan's 57-run win is their third-largest margin of victory against Zimbabwe in T20Is.
- The partnership of 65* between Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan is now the highest fifth-wicket stand for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in T20Is.
- Zimbabwe’s total of 108 is their joint second-lowest score against Pakistan in T20Is.
Player of the Match:
Tayyab Tahir was awarded for his pivotal innings of 39* off 25 balls, showcasing a brilliant strike rate and composure in building Pakistan’s total.
Pakistan leads the series 1-0, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the remaining matches.