RAWALPINDI: Pakistan comfortably thrashed Zimbabwe by six-wickets in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today (Saturday).
Chasing a target of 157 runs, captain Babar Azam played a superb knock and helped Pakistan to chase the target in 18.5 overs. Opener Fakhar Zaman (19) fell early after a promising start miscuing a slog off bowler Muzarabani to deliver a simple catch.
Batsman Haider Ali (7) got a tricky ball which was edged behind to wicketkeeper- Brendan Taylor off the bowling off Richard Ngarava.
All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez joined the in-form Babar Azam for an 80-run partnership which put Pakistan on top. Babar Azam finally fell to Tendai Chatara after scoring 82 runs off just 55 deliveries.
Hafeez soon followed suit, being bowled by Muzarabani, after scoring a reliable 36-run knock off 32 deliveries. Batsmen Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Rizwan then guided Pakistan over the finishing line with seven deliveries to spare.
Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe after picking up two wickets for 26 runs in 3.5 overs.
Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first. The skipper departed for a duck after Mohammad Hasnain caught the opener LBW in the first over of the match.
Veteran batsman Brendan Taylor removed by fast-bowler Haris Rauf after scoring 20 runs off 13 balls.
Leg-spinner Usman Qadir had an impressive debut as he bowled the in-form Sean Williams. Batsman Wesley Madhevere however was the rock of Zimbabwe’s innings. The batsman remained unbeaten after scoring an impeccable knock of 70 runs off 48 deliveries.
Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan after picking up two wickets in four overs at the expense of 25 runs.
