Zimbabwe vs Pakistan: Green shirts win 2nd T20 by 10 wickets

BULAWAYO: The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan second T20 proved disastrous for the Chevrons as the Green Shirts stormed to a 10-wicket win, solidifying their dominance in the three-match series.

Zimbabwe’s batting lineup crumbled spectacularly in the second T20 against Pakistan, bowled out for a paltry 57 runs in just 12 overs after electing to bat first.

The decision to bat first backfired as Pakistan’s bowlers, led by the sensational spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, decimated Zimbabwe’s batting order. Muqeem took career-best figures of five wickets for three runs in 2.4 overs. His performance surpassed the previous T20 record for Pakistan jointly held by pacer Umar Gul and spinner Imad Wasim.

Zimbabwe started cautiously but collapsed quickly after their first wicket fell at 37 runs. Tadiwanashe Marumani was the first to go, caught by Tayyab Tahir off Abbas Afridi for 16. Brian Bennett followed soon after, contributing 21 before being caught off Haris Rauf.

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Captain Sikandar Raza managed only three runs before being bowled by Abbas Afridi, leaving Zimbabwe at 40 for three. The middle and lower order offered no resistance as wickets fell in rapid succession. Agha Salman and Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed the bulk of the lineup, with Muqeem cleaning up four batters in quick succession, including Ryan Burl and Richard Ngarava for single-digit scores.

Zimbabwe’s innings ended at 57 when Clive Madande, the last hope, was caught for nine off Muqeem’s delivery. Trevor Gondo remained unbeaten on one as Pakistan dominated the proceedings.

In pursuit of the target, Omair Yousuf and Saim Ayub stepped onto the field as the opening duo. They remained steadfast at the crease, guiding Pakistan to victory in just 5.3 overs.

Saim Ayub scored 36 runs off 18 balls, while Omair Yousuf contributed 22 runs off 15 deliveries. The team also benefited from 3 runs in extras.

Salman Ali Agha was leading Green Shirts in this match, supported by a lineup featuring young talents such as Saim Ayub, Omair Yousuf, and Tayyab Tahir. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem, showcased exceptional discipline and aggression.

With this victory, Pakistan extended their lead in the series to 2-0. The Green Shirts had earlier defeated Zimbabwe by 57 runs in the opening match. The third and final T20 will provide an opportunity for Pakistan to seal a clean sweep in the series.