Zimbabwe versus Pakistan T20I Series, 2024

1st T20I

Zimbabwe team has collapsed to concede the series lead to Pakistan in the first T20I

Pakistan scored 165/4 in 20 overs, where as Zimbabwe scored 108 in 15.3 overs.

So, finally Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs.

Zimbabwe suffered a spectacular collapse with the bat, losing the opening T20I against Pakistan in Bulawayo.

After a solid start at 77/2 in the ninth over, Zimbabwe lost wickets in quick succession and were bowled out for just 108, well short of Pakistan’s 165/4.

The chase didn’t begin well for Zimbabwe as Abrar Ahmed struck twice in the third over, knocking over the stumps on both occasions to reduce the hosts to 18/2.

However, the momentum shifted in the very next over as Tadiwanashe Marumani launched an aggressive counterattack, smashing a six and three fours to lift Zimbabwe to 40/2 by the end of the fourth over.

Sikandar Raza continued the charge in the following over, hitting three consecutive boundaries, as Zimbabwe raced to 60 by the end of the powerplay.

Just when things seemed to be going in Zimbabwe’s favor, a needless run out triggered their downfall.

Two overs later, Ryan Burl misjudged a delivery from Haris Rauf, and from there, Zimbabwe lost five wickets in the next four overs, including the crucial wicket of the well-set Raza.

Rauf and Abrar then wrapped up the innings, completing the rout.

Both Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar finished with three-wicket hauls for Pakistan.

Earlier, Pakistan’s new-look batting lineup started cautiously.

Omair Yousuf was given a reprieve, hitting a six and a four before miscuing a shot off Richard Ngarava.

Saim Ayub and Usman Khan helped Pakistan to 49 runs in the opening five overs, but the scoring rate slowed thereafter.

Pakistan only reached the 100-run mark after 14 overs and needed a big push in the final overs.

Salman Agha’s dismissal proved fortuitous, as Irfan Khan joined Tayyab Tahir, and the pair launched an assault on the Zimbabwean bowling attack.

Zimbabwe’s sloppy fielding and poor bowling in the final three overs, where they conceded 44 runs, played a significant role in Pakistan’s eventual total.