Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Chevrons got off to a false start in the T201 cricket tri-series when they fell to hosts Pakistan by five wickets in the opener yesterday.
Pakistan overcame a stunning top-order collapse to clinch victory over a determined Zimbabwe, ultimately chasing down a target of 148 with four balls to spare.
The win was anchored by a composed middle-order fightback and a decisive all-round performance from Mohammad Nawaz, who first stifled Zimbabwe with the ball before sealing the game with the bat.
After being sent in to bat, Zimbabwe’s openers, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, exploded from the gates, racing to 72 without loss after eight overs.
The pair appeared to be setting a formidable platform, unleashing a 59-run powerplay assault on the Pakistani bowlers.
However, the introduction of spin proved catastrophic for the hosts.
Nawaz (2/22) triggered the reversal by removing Marumani for 30, sparking a spectacular collapse.
From a commanding 72/0, Zimbabwe imploded to 128/8, as their middle order capitulated against a disciplined Pakistan attack.
Bennett fell agonisingly short of a half-century, dismissed for 49.
Only a late, unbeaten 34 from captain Sikandar Raza provided a semblance of respectability, dragging the total to 147.
Pakistan’s pursuit began disastrously.
Seamer Brad Evans ignited Zimbabwean hopes with a sensational double-wicket maiden in the fourth over, clean bowling Sahibzada Farhan and the prolific Babar Azam for a golden duck.
At 54/4 in the 10th over, Pakistan was reeling.
But the experience of Fakhar Zaman (44 off 32) and the calm of Usman Khan (37* off 28) steadied the ship with a critical partnership.
Just as tension mounted again, Mohammad Nawaz returned to apply the finishing touches, smashing an unbeaten 21 from just 12 deliveries to guide his team across the line in the final over.
Despite a valiant bowling effort from Evans (2/26) and company, Zimbabwe fell short.
The victory gives Pakistan an early lead in the tri-series, while Zimbabwe will rue a missed opportunity after a promising start.
Teams:
Pakistan playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Salman Agha(c), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Zimbabwe playing XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brad Evans, Sikandar Raza(c), Brendan Taylor(w), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Graeme Cremer, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava
