In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan emerged victorious against Zimbabwe by five wickets, chasing down a target of 148 runs. The match saw Pakistan finish with 151 for 5, thanks to pivotal contributions from Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan, who played vital roles in the middle order.
Zimbabwe’s innings started strong, with the team at 91 for 1 in the 11th over before a dramatic collapse saw them slump to 147 for 8. The Zimbabwean side lost seven wickets for just 37 runs, severely impacting their chances of setting a higher target. Bennett’s steady 49 off 42 balls offered a glimmer of hope, but the momentum shifted when most of the batting lineup fell victim to Pakistan’s spinners, with Mohammad Nawaz leading the charge.
Nawaz’s impressive bowling performance defined the game, as he took 2 wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs, showcasing exceptional control and setting the tone for the Pakistan bowling attack. His breakthrough in dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani initiated a flurry of wickets, ultimately derailing Zimbabwe’s innings.
Pakistan found themselves in trouble early in their chase, quickly losing key wickets and finishing the powerplay at a precarious 31 for 3. However, Zaman’s resilient 44 off 32 balls and Usman’s composed 37 not out helped stabilize the innings. The duo’s 61-run partnership proved crucial as Pakistan regained control.
A key moment came when Sikandar Raza contributed an unbeaten 34 runs late in the innings for Zimbabwe but failed to prevent their batting collapse entirely. Nawaz clinched the victory for Pakistan by hitting the winning boundary with four balls to spare, marking a memorable return for the all-rounder to T20I cricket.
The match also marked the T20I return of veteran Graeme Cremer, who, after a gap of over seven years, didn’t have the impact he hoped for, conceding 27 runs for one wicket in three overs.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of T20 cricket, where the balance can shift dramatically within overs. Pakistan’s resilience in the face of early setbacks demonstrates their fighting spirit, while Zimbabwe will reflect on their middle-order collapse as an opportunity for growth and improvement in future fixtures.