Pakistan survived an early batting collapse to beat a determined Zimbabwe by five wickets in the opening match of the T20 tri-series on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe, already qualified for next year’s T20 World Cup, impressed with the ball and pushed the hosts deep into the final over before Pakistan chased down 151-5. Fakhar Zaman, returning to T20s, top-scored with a 32-ball 44.
Earlier, Zimbabwe wasted a flying start and finished on 147-8 after Pakistan’s spin trio — Mohammad Nawaz (2-22), Abrar Ahmed (1-28), and Saim Ayub (1-31) — tightened the screws in the latter half of the innings.
“It was a tight match,” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said. “Our spinners have been outstanding for the past few months, and they brought us back into the contest.”
Zaman steadies Pakistan chase
Fast bowler Brad Evans (2-26) jolted Pakistan with two wickets in one over, while Tinotenda Maposa trapped Agha lbw with a pinpoint yorker, reducing Pakistan to 30-3 inside the power play.
Evans bowled Sahibzada Farhan (16) with a delivery that stayed low and dismissed Babar Azam for a three-ball duck as Pakistan lost three wickets for just three runs. Graeme Cremer then removed Ayub (22), leaving Pakistan 54-4 after 10 overs.
Zaman, however, combined with wicketkeeper Usman Khan (unbeaten 37) for a crucial 61-run stand to revive the chase. Zaman eventually edged Richard Ngarava (1-30) while attempting a ramp shot.
Zimbabwe missed a key chance when Brian Bennett dropped a simple catch off Nawaz with 15 needed from 10 balls. Nawaz capitalized, finishing the match with back-to-back boundaries in the final over bowled by Maposa.
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Zimbabwe squanders strong platform
Bennett (49) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30) blasted 59 runs in the power play, attacking both pace and Ayub’s off-spin, which cost 17 runs in his first over.
But Zimbabwe’s momentum dipped after Nawaz dismissed Marumani with a miscued shot in the eighth over. Brendan Taylor made 14 before Babar Azam’s sharp throw ran him out. Bennett, who struck eight fours, later offered a simple return catch to Ayub.
From cruising at 88-1 after 10 overs, Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly to Pakistan’s spin attack. Only captain Sikander Raza showed resistance, hitting an unbeaten 34 off 24 balls, including a late six off Shaheen Shah Afridi (1-34).
“There were more positives than negatives,” Raza said. “We’re fighting well, but we must learn to finish games. That last hurdle is what we need to cross more often.”
Sri Lanka, the third team in the series, will face Zimbabwe next on Thursday.
Source: AP