Cricket Highlights, Dec 1: Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe (1st T20) – Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

ZIM vs PAK (1st T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 1st T20I match between PAK and ZIM, held in Bulawayo on December 1, 2024, as part of Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe. Pakistan delivered an impressive performance, setting a competitive target and backing it up with disciplined bowling to secure a commanding 57-run victory. 

Batting first, Pakistan posted 165/4, with key contributions from their top order. In response, Zimbabwe struggled to chase the target, collapsing to 108 in 15.3 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated. The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series, highlighting their strong all-around performance.

PAK posted a competitive total of 165/4 in their 20 overs, thanks to key contributions from their middle-order batters. The innings began cautiously, with opener Omair Yousuf scoring 16 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Richard Ngarava in the second over. His partner, Saim Ayub, added a quick 24 off 18 deliveries, striking two fours and a six, but he fell to Wellington Masakadza in the 8th over, leaving Pakistan at 57/2.

Usman Khan played a stabilizing knock, scoring 39 off 30 balls with two fours and two sixes. However, his dismissal in the 13th over to Ryan Burl shifted the momentum momentarily. Captain Salman Agha struggled to accelerate, managing only 13 off 19 balls before being dismissed by Sikandar Raza in the 15th over.

The game turned in Pakistan’s favor during the final overs, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan. Tayyab smashed a fluent 39 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and a six, while Irfan’s explosive 27 off 15 balls, with three fours, provided the perfect finish. The duo’s late surge added crucial runs to push the score past 160.

Among Zimbabwe’s bowlers, Sikandar Raza stood out with his economic figures of 4-0-14-1. Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, and Richard Ngarava picked up a wicket each, but they struggled to contain Pakistan’s batters in the death overs. The rest of the attack proved costly, with Blessing Muzarabani and Ngarava conceding over 10 runs per over.

Zimbabwe’s chase of 166 ended in disappointment as they were bowled out for 108 in 15.3 overs, falling 57 runs short. The innings began poorly, with Brian Bennett dismissed by Abrar Ahmed for 6 in the third over. Dion Myers followed shortly, also falling to Abrar, leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 18/2.

Marumani played an aggressive knock of 33 off 20 balls, including four boundaries and a six, but he was run out in the 9th over. Raza led from the front with a valiant 39 off 28 balls, but his dismissal to Jahandad Khan in the 13th over marked the beginning of the end for ZIM.

The middle and lower order crumbled under pressure. Ryan Burl (3), Clive Madande (5), and Wellington Masakadza (5) failed to make an impact, while the tail offered no resistance. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem wreaked havoc, grabbing three wickets apiece, while Haris Rauf added to the carnage with two vital breakthroughs.

Pakistan’s bowling unit shone brightly, with Abrar Ahmed (3.3 overs, 28 runs, 3 wickets) and Sufiyan Muqeem (4 overs, 20 runs, 3 wickets) leading the assault. Haris Rauf’s (3-0-17-2) pace and accuracy further tightened Pakistan’s grip on the game. This dominant bowling display ensured Pakistan’s comfortable victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Scoreboard

Pakistan- 165/4 (20)

Zimbabwe – 108 (15.3/20)

Result – Pakistan won by 57 runs

Player of the Match – Tayyab Tahir

ZIM vs PAK Playing XI

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(WK), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(C), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Pakistan

Omair Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan(WK), Salman Agha(C), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.