Pakistan secured a convincing 57-run victory against Zimbabwe in the first T20I held in Bulawayo. Batting first, Pakistan scored 165 runs, with significant contributions from Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan. Zimbabwe struggled in their chase, bowled out for 108 runs, with captain Sikandar Raza scoring 39. Pakistan’s bowlers Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed excelled, taking three wickets each.
On Sunday, Pakistan triumphed over Zimbabwe by a decisive margin of 57 runs in the inaugural T20 International match held in Bulawayo. Captaining the team, Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first. The Pakistani side amassed a total of 165 runs, losing 4 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Zimbabwe struggled and was ultimately bowled out for just 108 runs, with captain Sikandar Raza contributing 39 runs to the team’s total.
The match began with Pakistani openers Umair Yousuf and Saim Ayub, though their promising start was short-lived as Yousuf fell for 16 runs. Saim Ayub managed to score 24 runs, but the team faced difficulties, losing their second wicket when the score reached 57. Usman Khan played a vital role, scoring 39 runs, while captain Agha contributed 13. Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan finished strong for Pakistan, remaining unbeaten at scores of 39 and 27 respectively, thereby ensuring a competitive score for their team.
The Pakistani bowling attack proved formidable, with Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed each claiming three wickets, hindering Zimbabwe’s chase effectively. This victory marks Pakistan’s dominance over Zimbabwe in T20 encounters, with the latter winning only two out of their eighteen previous meetings.
The T20 International format has increasingly gained popularity due to its fast-paced nature and thrilling outcomes. In recent matches played at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo, teams batting first have enjoyed significant success, winning 13 out of the last 16 matches. This evolving trend emphasizes the importance of a solid batting performance right from the start. Pakistan’s cricketing prowess is reflected in their historical dominance over Zimbabwe in T20 matches, where they have triumphed in a substantial majority of their encounters, showcasing their established reputation in the sport.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s victory against Zimbabwe in the first T20I exemplified their strong batting and bowling performance. With an impressive score of 165 runs set by the batting lineup and effective bowling by Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, the outcome reinforces Pakistan’s historic dominance over Zimbabwe in the T20 format, as they continue to assert their status on the international cricket stage.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
