In the first of three Twenty20 internationals, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 57 runs on Sunday thanks to an undefeated fifth-wicket partnership of 65 from Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan.
After winning the ODI series 2-1, Pakistan is aiming for a white-ball double in Zimbabwe. They won the toss in Bulawayo and scored 165-4, while Zimbabwe was dismissed for 108 in 15.3 overs.
At Queens Sports Club, the tourists were 100-4 with 34 deliveries left when Tahir and Khan combined to smash a quick 65 runs, punishing shoddy bowling and reckless fielding.
With 39 runs, including four fours and a six, Tahir tied Usman Khan for the most runs. Khan hit four boundaries, including two sixes. Irfan Khan completed with three fours and 27 off 15 balls.
Player of the match Tahir told reporters, “Irfan and I decided to run hard, hit every ball, and if we cannot make a six, then run.”
Sikandar Raza, the captain of Zimbabwe, who led his team in scoring with 39, stated: “The momentum was switched by letting 40 or so runs go in the final few overs. It is a really difficult pill to take to give it your all for 108.
The best bowler was the Pakistan-born all-rounder, who took out Pakistan captain Salman Agha (13), with to his deceptive spin.
In response, Raza and Tadiwanashe Marumani gave Zimbabwe hope with their combined 59 runs for the third wicket.
However, Raza was caught at backward point by Saim Ayub shortly after Usman Khan had run out Marumani for 33, and the batting fell apart as the final four wickets fell for just 13 runs.
Sufiyan Muqeem destroyed the Zimbabwean tail, taking three wickets after Jahandad Khan took Raza’s prize wicket.
