Brian Bennett’s 43 runs led Zimbabwe to a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third T20I, held at Bulawayo. Chasing a target of 133, Zimbabwe achieved the win on the penultimate ball, with Bennett named Player of the Match for his performance. Pakistan batted first, scoring 132 runs and losing seven wickets. Overall, the match highlighted key performances and strategic gameplay from both teams.
In a thrilling conclusion to the T20I series, Zimbabwe emerged victorious over Pakistan by two wickets in the third and final T20I match held at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Brian Bennett played a crucial role in this victory, scoring 43 runs off 35 balls, including six fours and one six. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award, contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s successful chase of a modest target of 133 runs.
The match reached its climax on the second-last ball as Zimbabwe achieved the target, losing a total of eight wickets in the process. Alongside Bennett, captain Sikandar Raza and wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani made valuable contributions. Dion Myers and Tinotenda Maposa also played key roles in guiding the team toward victory. For Pakistan, bowler Abbas Afridi claimed three wickets, while Jahandad Khan took two, and Salman Agha and Sufiyan Muqeem each took one.
Earlier, Pakistan, led by skipper Salman Agha, chose to bat first after winning the toss. The team managed to score 132 runs, losing seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions came from Salman Agha, Arafat Minhas, Tayyab Tahir, Qais Akaram, and Abbass Afridi. Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was effective, with Blessing Muzarabani taking two wickets, while Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, and Ryan Burl each claimed one wicket.
In summary, Pakistan scored 132 runs, while Zimbabwe chased down the target with 133 runs for the loss of eight wickets, concluding the match with a final score of Pakistan 132/7 in 20 overs and Zimbabwe 133/8 in 19.5 overs.
This match marked the final encounter of the T20I series between Zimbabwe and Pakistan, where both teams aimed for victory in a competitive sports setting. The match showcased not only individual performances but also the strategic decision-making involved in batting and bowling, highlighting the importance of adaptability in the game. Brian Bennett’s performance stood out, illustrating his capability to perform under pressure, a quality crucial in cricket.
The match concluded with Zimbabwe’s successful run chase, emphasizing the skill and determination of the players involved. Brian Bennett’s innings, alongside other key contributions, played a crucial role in securing the victory. The bowling efforts from Pakistan, despite being commendable, ultimately fell short against a resolute Zimbabwean side, bringing the T20I series to an exciting finish.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
