Andrew
ZIMBABWE fell 12 runs short of beating Pakistan in a T20I for the first time after being well-set in the chase of 150, leaving a distraught Sean Williams disgusted by his team’s poor performance.
“I feel that second partnership to accompany that third wicket partnership was missing,” said the Chevrons skipper.
“The wicket played into our favour, and winning the toss was crucial.
“It’s inexcusable to lose a game like that.”
A 56-run third wicket stand between Tinashe Kamunhukamwe and Craig Ervine put Zimbabwe on 77 for 2 in the 11th over, well on their way to making light work of Pakistan’s 149 for seven.
However, Babar Azam’s masterstroke to use Mohammad Hafeez’s offspin, after he had only bowled one over in 14 T20Is since November 2018, sparked a collapse that saw Zimbabwe lose four for 18 in 18 balls and left too much for the lower-order to do.
Luke Jongwe’s unbeaten 30 off 23 balls almost pulled off a coup, but Haris Rauf defended 20 off the last over to ensure Pakistan took the series lead.
Pakistan’s total was almost single-handedly built by Mohammad Rizwan, who made 82 of their 149 balls, including taking 20 runs off the final over of Pakistan’s innings.
In the end, Zimbabwe will live to rue their missed chances, as the hosts dropped two crucial catches during the powerplay.
After dismissing the highly rated skipper Babar Azam early, Zimbabwe had the chance to get rid of Rizwan on 13 when he top-edged a pull off Richard Ngarava in the fifth over.
Kamunhukamwe had to dive forward to take the chance, but only almost fell on his face for his efforts.
In the next over, Fakhar Zaman drove aerially to mid-on where Sean Williams was stationed.
The Zimbabwe skipper had to backpedal to get to the ball, and did, but it burst through his hands.
Zaman’s drop only cost seven runs, but Rizwan went on to an undefeated 82. – Sports Reporter/Cricinfo
Online Reporter