Pakistan bowled out Zimbabwe for 108 runs to secure a convincing 57-run victory in the first T20I of the three-match series at Bulawayo Athletic Club.
Chasing a challenging target of 166, Zimbabwe’s batting crumbled for just 108 in 15.3 overs, despite solid contributions from captain Sikandar Raza and opener Tadiwanashe Marumani.
The hosts got off to a poor start, losing two wickets for just 18 runs within the first three overs. Marumani, however, played a quickfire knock, keeping Zimbabwe in the hunt with a brisk 33 from 20 balls, which included four boundaries and a six.
His dismissal in the ninth over sparked a collapse, and Zimbabwe quickly slid from 77/2 to 108 all out. Raza top-scored with a valiant 39, but it wasn't enough to stave off the defeat.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem were the standout bowlers, each taking three wickets. Haris Rauf added two, and Jahandad Khan chipped in with one.
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first and lost an early wicket when Omair Yousuf was dismissed for just 16 runs. The departure of Yousuf was followed by a brief but steady partnership, as Saim Ayub scored 24 runs.
Despite the early setbacks, Usman Khan's 39-run innings gave the Green Shirts the much-needed momentum.
Salman Agha contributed with 13 runs, but it was the partnership between Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan that propelled Pakistan to a competitive total.
Tayyab Tahir played a dynamic knock of 39 runs, while Irfan Khan added 27 runs on just 15 balls, guiding the team to a final total of 165 runs.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Omair Bin Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf.
Zimbabwe: Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tawandanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Wellington Masakadza
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