PAK vs ZIM: Tayyab Tahir stars as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs in first T20I

Pakistan secured a dominant 57-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series at Queens Sports Club on Sunday.

A solid batting performance from Tayyab Tahir, who remained unbeaten on 39, along with a strong bowling display, helped Pakistan take the early lead in the series.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced an early setback when young opener Omair Bin Yousuf was dismissed for 16 runs in the third over, caught by Richard Ngarava off his bowling. Despite the early loss, Pakistan's middle order stepped up with some solid contributions. Usman Khan top-scored for the team with a 39-run knock off 30 balls, including two fours and two sixes. He was involved in important partnerships with Saim Ayub (24) and Salman Ali Agha, who scored 13 runs from 19 balls.

However, Pakistan lost a couple of quick wickets in the middle overs. Sikandar Raza dismissed Agha to reduce Pakistan to 100/4 in the 14th over. But Tayyab and Muhammad Irfan Khan rescued the innings with a vital unbeaten partnership of 65 runs, guiding Pakistan to a total of 165/4 in their 20 overs. Tayyab, who played a steady knock of 39 off 25 balls, was supported well by Irfan, who made 27 from 15 balls.

Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a poor start as they lost two early wickets with just 18 runs on the board. Brian Bennett and Hamilton Dion Myers were both dismissed cheaply. However, Zimbabwe’s hopes were kept alive by a quickfire 33 from opener Tadiwanashe Marumani, who hit four fours and a six off just 20 balls. Unfortunately, his dismissal in the ninth over turned the tide in Pakistan’s favour.

Zimbabwe’s batting soon collapsed as they went from 77/2 to 108 all out in just 15.3 overs. Sikandar Raza tried to hold things together with a gutsy 39, but he ran out of support. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the Zimbabwean innings, with Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Muqeem each taking three wickets. Haris Rauf claimed two wickets, while Jahandad Khan added one.

In the end, Zimbabwe’s chase came to a halt as Pakistan’s bowlers ripped through their batting lineup, taking the win by 57 runs. Pakistan will look to carry this momentum into the next match as they take the lead in the series.
Teams:

Pakistan (Playing XI): Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan(w), Salman Agha(c), Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu