Pakistan secured a convincing 57-run win over Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday, thanks to stellar performances by spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Moqim. The duo combined to claim six wickets, dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup and setting the tone for the series.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 165-4. Despite a shaky start with opener Omair Bin Yousuf dismissed early by Richard Ngarava for 16, the middle order stabilized the innings. Usman Khan anchored Pakistan’s batting with a solid 39 off 30 balls, laced with two fours and two sixes, forming crucial partnerships with Saim Ayub (24) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (13).
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the final overs when Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Irfan Khan unleashed a counterattack. The pair added an unbeaten 65 runs for the fifth wicket in just 34 balls, with Tayyab smashing 35 off 29 deliveries, including a six and four boundaries. Irfan contributed 27 not out from 15 balls, punishing Zimbabwe’s erratic bowling and fielding.
Chasing 164, Zimbabwe struggled to find rhythm. Early blows left them reeling at 18-2 within three overs. However, opener Tadiwanashe Marumani (33 off 20) and skipper Sikandar Raza (39 off 34) revived hopes with a promising 59-run partnership for the third wicket.
Marumani’s dismissal in the ninth over triggered a collapse, with Zimbabwe losing their remaining wickets for just 31 runs. Raza’s departure, caught by Saim Ayub off Jahandad Khan, marked the beginning of the end as the hosts crumbled to 108 all out in 15.3 overs.
Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem proved instrumental in Pakistan’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets each and suffocating Zimbabwe’s lower order. Haris Rauf chipped in with two wickets, while Jahandad Khan took the key scalp of Raza.
Player of the match Tayyab Tahir reflected on the team’s strategy, saying, “Irfan and I decided to keep the runs flowing—hit hard when possible and run aggressively when not.”
The victory extended Pakistan’s positive momentum after a 2-1 ODI series win against Zimbabwe. The tourists are aiming for a white-ball double, showcasing resilience after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.
For Zimbabwe, the defeat snapped their five-match unbeaten run in T20Is, a streak fueled by their recent success in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier. Captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, saying, “Leaking 40-plus runs in the final overs and being bowled out for 108 was a tough pill to swallow.”
The two sides meet again on Tuesday and Thursday.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Omair bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufiyan Moqim.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tawandanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Wellington Masakadza