Sufiyan Muqeem, in his sixth T20I appearance, achieved his career-best performance by taking 5 wickets for only 3 runs, contributing significantly to the dismissal of Zimbabwe for a mere 57 runs. This outstanding effort paved the way for Pakistan’s decisive 10-wicket triumph, securing the series victory in the second T20I held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe's batting lineup collapses at mere score of 57 runs
Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first saw openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani off to a lively beginning. Bennett showcased his intent by dispatching a full delivery from Abrar Ahmad for a boundary straight down the ground in the very first over, followed by a powerful pull shot for six off Jahandad Khan over deep mid-wicket. Meanwhile, Marumani asserted his presence by driving an overpitched ball from the pacer to the boundary. This partnership, which effectively maintained a brisk scoring rate during the powerplay, concluded in the fifth over when Marumani was caught at cover point after an aerial cut off Abbas Afridi.
Following a strong opening partnership of 37 runs that set a commanding tone for the match, Afridi’s maiden wicket shifted the momentum significantly. In the subsequent over, Bennett misplayed a pull shot off Haris Rauf and was caught out, marking the onset of Zimbabwe’s batting collapse. Wickets fell consistently with each passing over, and by the conclusion of the eighth over, Zimbabwe found themselves at a precarious 45 for 4. Unfortunately, this was merely the beginning of their troubles.
Muqeem, who was brought into the bowling attack in the subsequent over, made an immediate impact by taking two wickets in his initial over. He dismissed Ryan Burl leg before wicket and then bowled out Tashinga Mushekiwa without scoring. In the following over, he achieved another double strike, contributing to Zimbabwe’s collapse to their lowest total in T20 International matches, as they were bowled out in the 13th over for a dismal score of just 57 runs
Easy chase for Pakistan as they clinch the T20I series
Pakistan’s pursuit was straightforward, and the opening batsmen were well aware of this fact. Raza delivered the first over, during which Omair Yousuf scored 11 runs, establishing an aggressive rhythm. With a modest target to achieve, Pakistan navigated the chase with ease. Omair Yousuf aggressively targeted Sikandar Raza, striking boundaries over covers and past short fine leg, effectively disrupting the spinner’s line and length.
Saim Ayub made a notable contribution with a well-timed shot that allowed him to send Richard Ngarava’s delivery over the slips for a boundary. Blessing Muzarabani’s disappointing series persisted as both Ayub and Yousuf targeted him effectively, with Yousuf striking a confident six over deep point. After hitting a boundary off Richard Ngarava, Saim Ayub collaborated with Yousuf to aggressively pursue Blessing Muzarabani during the third over.
Ayub was determined to make his mark, and he seized the opportunity to execute his trademark shot: a powerful whip off Trevor Gwandu’s delivery, sending the ball soaring behind square leg for six runs. Following Ayub’s boundary, Yousuf struck a six over deep point. Together, they maintained their aggressive approach against Trevor Gwandu, successfully surpassing the target during the powerplay. Once again, Muzarabani’s inaccurate line permitted Ayub to secure two additional boundaries that concluded the match as Pakistan clinched the three match T20I series by 2-0.
SCORECARD: Zimbabwe 57 in 12.4 overs (Brian Bennett 21; Sufian Muqeem 5-3) lost to Pakistan 61/0 in 5.3 overs (Saim Ayub 36*, Omair Yousuf 22*) by 10 wickets
