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Bulawayo (Daily Pakistan Online) In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan’s cricket team emerged victorious, defeating Zimbabwe by a substantial 57-run margin in the first match of the three-T20 series. The match, played in Bulawayo, saw Pakistan opting to bat first, a decision that ultimately paid off.
Pakistan’s batting lineup put up a formidable performance, scoring 165 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 20 overs. The team’s top scorers, Usman Khan and Tayyab Tahir, both contributed 39 runs each, while Irfan Khan chipped in with 27 runs. This impressive batting display set the tone for the rest of the match.
In response, the Zimbabwean team struggled to chase down the target of 166 runs. They were eventually bowled out for 108 runs in the 16th over, handing Pakistan a convincing 57-run victory. The Zimbabwean team’s top scorer was all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who managed 39 runs.
Pakistan’s spinners played a crucial role in restricting the Zimbabwean batting lineup. Youngsters Sufyan Muqim and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each, while Haris Rauf claimed two wickets and Jehandad Khan took one wicket. This impressive bowling performance ensured that Zimbabwe was unable to stage a comeback.
The second match of the series is scheduled to take place on December 3, followed by the third and final match on December 5. Young batsman Tayyab Tahir was declared the player of the match for his impressive 39-run contribution.
In the post-match press conference, Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance. He attributed the win to the team’s complete performance, highlighting the impressive showings by the young players. Agha also stated that the team aims to win the series and will continue to provide opportunities to young players.
Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, acknowledged that his team had struggled to cope with Pakistan’s bowling attack. He emphasized the importance of playing good cricket and expressed his hope that the team would bounce back in the remaining matches.
