PAK vs ZIM T20 Highlights | Pakistan Triumphs Over Zimbabwe in 1st T20I by 57 Runs

Pakistan's Dominant Start in Bulawayo

The Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo witnessed a clinical performance by Pakistan as they defeated Zimbabwe by 57 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series. Batting first, Pakistan set a competitive target of 165/4, thanks to Tayyab Tahir’s spectacular knock and Irfan Khan’s power-hitting at the death. Zimbabwe, in response, crumbled under the pressure, being bowled out for just 108 in 15.3 overs.

Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 1st T20I

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo - 1 December 2024

Pakistan: 165/4 (20 overs; Tayyab Tahir 39*, Irfan Khan 27*; Sikandar Raza 1-14, W Masakadza 1-23)
Zimbabwe: 108 all out (15.3 overs; Tadiwanashe Marumani 33, Sikandar Raza 39; Abrar Ahmed 3-28, Sufiyan Muqeem 3-20)

Result: Pakistan won by 57 runs.

Pakistan’s Innings: A Steady Build-Up

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that set the tone for the game. The openers, Omair Yousuf and Saim Ayub, struggled initially against disciplined bowling but managed to put up 18 runs in the first few overs. Usman Khan provided stability with a solid 39 off 30, building momentum in the middle overs.

The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was Tayyab Tahir, whose 39 off 25 balls, laced with clean hitting and smart rotation of strike, earned him the Player of the Match title. He was well-supported by Irfan Khan, who smashed an unbeaten 27 off 15 balls, pushing Pakistan’s total to a challenging 165/4. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Sikandar Raza, managed to keep Pakistan in check during the middle overs but faltered in the death.

Zimbabwe’s Response: A Collapse to Forget

Chasing 166, Zimbabwe’s innings started promisingly with Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett finding early boundaries. Marumani’s 33 off 20 balls was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting display. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem led Pakistan’s bowling charge, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals.

Zimbabwe’s collapse was triggered by the run-out of Marumani at a pivotal moment. From 77/2, the hosts lost eight wickets for just 31 runs. Captain Sikandar Raza’s 39 off 28 showed resilience, but his dismissal sealed Zimbabwe’s fate. Haris Rauf’s pace and Sufiyan Muqeem’s spin were too much for the Zimbabwean lower order, ensuring Pakistan’s victory.

Skippers’ Reactions: Lessons and Praises

After the match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha praised his team’s all-round effort, particularly the young players stepping up under pressure. “The way the batters and bowlers executed the plan was commendable,” he said.

Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza expressed disappointment over the team’s repeated collapses, urging individual players to step up and adapt to challenging situations. “Losing eight wickets in such a short span is unacceptable, and we need to address this immediately,” he remarked.

Looking Ahead: Pakistan in Command

With a 1-0 lead, Pakistan will aim to seal the series in the second T20I, while Zimbabwe will need a significant turnaround to stay alive in the contest. Both teams will regroup and strategize, with the next game promising another thrilling encounter.

The stage is set for an exciting continuation of the series, as Pakistan’s confidence meets Zimbabwe’s hunger for redemption.