Zimbabwe secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final T20I at Queens Sports Club on Thursday, preventing a series whitewash.
Debutant Tinotenda Maposa played a pivotal role, contributing with both bat and ball.
He first returned impressive bowling figures of 1/12, and then smashed an unbeaten 12 runs to guide Zimbabwe to victory in the final over.
Chasing a target of 133, Zimbabwe got off to a strong start, reaching 73/1 in 9.3 overs, with Brian Bennet (43 off 35 balls) and Dion Myers at the crease.
However, Pakistan’s emerging spinner Sufiyan Muqeem provided the breakthrough, dismissing Bennet, who had struck seven boundaries and a six.
Following Bennet’s departure, Zimbabwe’s middle-order collapsed, and the hosts found themselves at 94/5 in 14 overs.
Skipper Sikandar Raza tried to steady the innings but was dismissed by Jahandad Khan in the 18th over. Zimbabwe’s chase further faltered when Abbas Afridi, who finished with match-winning figures of 3/23, removed Wellington Masakadza for six.
Earlier, Pakistan, opting to bat first, could only manage 132/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s two-wicket victory helped them avoid a clean sweep, with Pakistan winning the series 2-1.
