Zimbabwe wins 3rd T20, Pakistan claims series 2-1

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling final T20 match to secure a 133-run target with just one ball to spare. The 3rd T20, played in Bulawayo, saw Zimbabwe chase down Pakistan’s total in a dramatic finish, winning with 8 wickets down.

Openers Brian Bennett (43) led the charge for Zimbabwe, with support from captain Sikandar Raza (19) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (15).

The middle-order also contributed, with Dion Myers (13), Wesley Madhevere (7), and Wellington Masakadza (6) falling cheaply.

Richard Ngarava (1*) and Tinotenda Maposa (12*) remained unbeaten as Zimbabwe reached the target in 19.5 overs.

For Pakistan, Abbas Afridi and Jahandad Khan both took 2 wickets each, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Salman Ali Agha claimed one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a modest total of 132 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Captain Salman Ali Agha top-scored for Pakistan with 32 runs, while Qasim Akram added 20 and Abbas Afridi 15. The rest of the batting order struggled, with Usman Khan (5), Sahibzada Farhan (4), and Omair Yousuf (0) dismissed cheaply.

Arafat Minhas (22) and Jahandad Khan (6*) remained not out, but Pakistan’s innings faltered.

Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets, while Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, and Tinotenda Maposa all claimed one wicket each.

Despite the loss, Pakistan won the series 2-1, having secured victories in the first two matches.

Overall, the Zimbabwe tour proved successful for Pakistan, as it won both three-match series 2-1. However, losing one ODI and one T20 match against Zimbabwe is seen as a setback for the Green Shirts, as they have historically dominated Zimbabwe in the past.

Now the Shaheens are all set to face South Africa in a series kicking off on December 10. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have already announced the squads for the upcoming series against South Africa.

Shan Masood will captain the test side, while Mohammad Rizwan will lead the ODI and T20I squads. Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Salman Ali Agha are featured in all three squads, while Naseem Shah has been selected for both tests and ODIs. Shaheen Shah Afridi will play in the white-ball formats, skipping out on the test matches as part of his workload management, ensuring he is ready for the Champions Trophy in February of next year.

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