Pakistan overcame a brief scare to defeat Zimbabwe by 57 runs in the first T20I of their three-match series in Bulawayo, taking a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan posted a competitive 165/4, thanks to a rapid, unbroken partnership of 65 runs off 34 balls between Tayyab Tahir (39*) and Irfan Khan (10*). Their late surge helped Pakistan finish strong, scoring 34 runs in the final two overs after a steady, if slow, batting display earlier in the innings. Usman Khan (39) was the top scorer, while Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza (1-14) excelled with the ball, restricting Pakistan’s scoring through a tight spell.
Zimbabwe’s chase began brightly with Raza and Tadiwanashe Marumani, who raced to 50 in just five overs, putting the hosts in a strong position at 75/2 in eight overs. However, the game took a dramatic turn as the collapse began. The fall of the Marumani-Raza partnership triggered a batting implosion, with Zimbabwe losing their last eight wickets for just 31 runs.
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Sufiyan Muqeem (3-20) and Haris Rauf (2-17) played pivotal roles in dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order. A sharp catch by Saim Ayub and a change of pace from Jehandad Khan sealed Zimbabwe’s fate, as they were bowled out for 108 in 16.5 overs. Raza’s defiant 39 was the only resistance, but it wasn’t enough to avert the defeat.
The victory gives Pakistan the upper hand in the series, with Zimbabwe needing to regroup ahead of the second T20I.
