Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S opening match of the T20I Tri-Series swung their way more than once, yet they still walked off Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium shaking their heads. A game they controlled in key passages slipped from their grasp as Pakistan sealed a five-wicket win with four balls to spare.
Zimbabwe looked sharp early. They attacked with the new ball, fielded with intent and forced Pakistan into panic when they slumped to 54 for 4. But the hosts steadied through Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, whose partnerships of 61 and 36 dragged the chase out of danger. A dropped catch at midwicket in the penultimate over only added to Zimbabwe’s regret. Pakistan finished on 151 for 5 in 19,2 overs.
Zimbabwe had earlier been well set for a total north of 180 after a lightning start. Brian Bennett led the way with 49 from 36 balls and put on 72 for the opening wicket with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who made 30 from 22. Their platform was strong, but the middle order crumbled. Seven wickets fell for 37 runs as Pakistan dragged the innings back, leaving the Chevrons stranded on 147 for 8.
Sikandar Raza helped salvage the innings with a composed unbeaten 34 from 24 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz was Pakistan’s most effective bowler with 2 for 22.
Pakistan’s recovery was built on calm batting when the pressure peaked. Zaman, returning to the T20 side, struck 44 from 32. Usman Khan finished unbeaten on 37 from 28. Nawaz chipped in with a match-settling 21 from 12, including the boundary that ended the contest.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought hard. Bradley Evans took 2 for 26 and Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa and Graeme Cremer picked one each. They squeezed Pakistan in the middle overs and kept the chase alive until late, but the missed chance off Nawaz with 15 needed from 10 cost them dearly.
Pakistan had chosen to field first, and both sides made changes to their previous T20I line-ups. Zimbabwe recalled Marumani, Tony Munyonga and the experienced Cremer. Pakistan brought in Zaman and leg spinner Abrar Ahmed.
The Chevrons return to action tomorrow against Sri Lanka at the same venue. Victory will keep their hopes of reaching the final alive. First ball is at 3 PM.
