Pakistan kicked off their T20I collection towards Zimbabwe with a resounding 57-run victory in Bulawayo. Spearheaded by the distinctive spells of Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem, the guests bowled out Zimbabwe for simply 108 runs, securing a 1-0 lead within the three-match collection. Muqeem, along with his career-best figures of three/20, stood out, whereas Rauf’s precision ensured well timed breakthroughs.
A balanced begin for Pakistan after successful the toss
Pakistan opted to bat first with the intent of setting a formidable goal. Nevertheless, the innings acquired off to a shaky begin as opener Omair Yousuf fell early, managing 16 off 13 deliveries earlier than being undone by a pointy supply from Richard Ngarava. Regardless of the early setback, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan introduced stability to the innings with a 39-run partnership for the second wicket. Ayub showcased glimpses of his aptitude with a couple of elegant strokes however fell for 21, mistiming a pull shot that landed safely within the fingers of the long-off fielder, leaving Pakistan in a rebuilding part.
Tayyab Tahir’s game-changing innings
Tayyab Tahir emerged because the star of Pakistan’s batting effort with a composed but aggressive knock of 39* off 25 balls. Strolling in at a precarious second, Tahir counterattacked with aptitude, mixing timing and energy. His capacity to seek out gaps and clear the fielders underlined his batting prowess.
Tahir’s partnership with Irfan Khan was pivotal in turning the innings round. The duo added 65 runs for the fifth wicket, with Tahir anchoring the stand whereas sustaining a brisk scoring price. His shot choice, notably his capacity to dispatch something free, proved essential in Pakistan reaching a aggressive whole. Irfan Khan performed an ideal supporting position alongside Tahir, scoring a quickfire 27 off simply 15 balls. His aggressive stroke play not solely complemented Tahir but additionally ensured Pakistan completed the innings on a robust observe. Irfan’s contribution, although overshadowed by Tahir, performed a significant position within the ultimate surge of runs.
Additionally READ: ZIM vs PAK 2024: Pakistan’s finest taking part in XI for the T20I collection towards Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s shiny begin fades rapidly: Sufiyan Muqeem and Haris Rauf shine
Zimbabwe started their chase with promise, regardless of shedding Brian Bennett early. A strong 59-run partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sikandar Raza stored the hosts in competition. Marumani, specifically, appeared comfy towards the pacers and was instrumental in steadying the innings. Nevertheless, a poor name for a second run led to Marumani’s run-out, opening the floodgates for a Zimbabwean collapse. Following his departure, Zimbabwe misplaced wickets in a flurry, with no batter in a position to face up to Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
Muqeem’s left-arm spin was a revelation on the gradual floor. His variations, notably the googly, left Zimbabwe’s center and decrease order clueless. Rauf, along with his tempo and accuracy, continued to strike at essential junctures, dismissing key batters like Ryan Burl cheaply Zimbabwe captain Raza stood tall amidst the ruins, scoring a valiant 39 off 28 balls. Nevertheless, his dismissal – an ill-timed minimize shot caught brilliantly at backward level – sealed Zimbabwe’s destiny.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a implausible bowling efficiency whereas defending a complete of 165 runs. 🔥
Profession-best T20 bowling determine for him. (4-0-20-3)#PakistanCricket #PAKvsZIM pic.twitter.com/Y0b9VRKnXq— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) December 1, 2024
SUFYAN MUQEEM WARRA CHINAMAN HE IS….!!!
– Unimaginable bowling from Chinaman Sufyan Muqeem. He accomplished his 4 overs spell on 3/20″.
Effectively Executed Sufyan. 🇵🇰❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/I4MfYEqk1J
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Actually having fun with watching Sufiyan Muqeem bowl, early days however nice management on a extremely powerful ability to get good at. Uncommon to see somebody so inexperienced have first rate management bowling left arm wrist spin. Enjoyable bowler!
— Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) December 1, 2024
Fantastic efficiency by Pakistan, particularly by comparatively new faces within the format Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
With few extra entries, Pakistan can develop these gamers into high T20 aspect.#PAKvZIM pic.twitter.com/t2JZdrJNAM
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) December 1, 2024
Pak received by 57 runs towards Zimbabwe
What a win..!
Good bowling by Sufiyan muqeem and Abrar ahmed..❤️ pic.twitter.com/eDB5gLoyql
— M Saim (@MSaim494015) December 1, 2024
39* off 25 for Tayyab Tahir. Simply one other day the place he proves why he is likely one of the finest white ball gamers in Pakistan. We have now wasted so a few years of his profession🙄 #PAKvZIM #PakistanCricket
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 1, 2024
Tayyab Tahir will not be a really elegant batter however man def is aware of the right way to discover gaps and when to play huge pictures #PAKvsZIM
— Ahsaan Elahi (@Callme_ahsaan) December 1, 2024
Participant of the match goes to “Tayyab Tahir” for his Unimaginable & Essential 39 runs ultimately for Pakistan. 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/FjNvRQGhww
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs to take a 1-0 lead within the 3-match collection.#ZIMvPAK #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/eYaNe7a8zu pic.twitter.com/4tFtdinkeP
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 1, 2024
A vital contribution of 35 not out off 25 deliveries – Tayyab Tahir is the participant of the match in the present day 🌟#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/qCTVLnTfCK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 1, 2024
