Zimbabwe's dominant performance secures thrilling win over Pakistan

Pakistan struggled to set a competitive total after Zimbabwe's bowlers kept them in check throughout their innings. Despite some resistance from Tayyab Tahir, who formed useful partnerships with Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's lower order could only manage a modest 130. Arafat Minhas and Abbas Afridi provided some late contributions, but it was a messy final over from Muzarabani that helped Pakistan cross the 130-mark. Zimbabwe's bowlers, however, had little to offer in terms of breakthrough opportunities.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s openers, Brian Bennett and Marumani, took charge of the chase early. Bennett set the tone by smashing Mohammad Hasnain to the boundary off the first ball. Marumani continued his good form against Pakistan’s bowlers, hitting two quick boundaries. The pair put on 40 runs in just 19 balls, setting a comfortable pace for Zimbabwe. Bennett further punished Hasnain, taking 19 runs off his second over, forcing Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to bring himself into the attack.

Pakistan's hopes rested on the spin of Sufyan Muqeem, who had been a standout performer in the series. His deceptive bowling troubled the Zimbabwe batters, and despite his impressive figures of 4-1-19-1, it wasn’t enough to stem the flow of runs. Muqeem caused several close calls, with multiple edges narrowly missing the outside of the bat, but Zimbabwe continued their dominance.

Zimbabwe’s openers had put them well ahead in the chase, and despite Muqeem's spell, the required rate was always under control. Zimbabwe completed the chase with ease, leaving Pakistan to reflect on missed opportunities. The performance from Zimbabwe’s top order and Muqeem’s impressive bowling spell were the highlights of a thrilling encounter.

Teams:

Pakistan (Playing XI): Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tinotenda Maposa