BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe secured a consolation win in the third T20I against Pakistan at Queens Sports Club on Thursday, thanks to a collective team effort.
Although Pakistan had already won the series 2-1 with dominant performances in the first two matches, the hosts successfully chased down a target of 133 runs in the penultimate over, despite losing eight wickets.
Brian Bennett was the top scorer for Zimbabwe, contributing 43 runs off 35 balls, which included six boundaries and one six. Captain Sikandar Raza (19) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (15) kept the chase alive amidst a fall of wickets, and debutant Tinotenda Maposa added a crucial 12 off 4 balls to lead Zimbabwe to victory.
Earlier, Pakistan, opting to bat first, was restricted to 132-7 due to a disciplined bowling performance by Zimbabwe. Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza’s opening spells left Pakistan struggling at 19-3 after four overs. Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, stabilised the innings with a knock of 32 from 32 balls.
Tayyab Tahir added a quick 21 off 14 balls, while Qasim Akram scored 20 off 16, and Arafat Minhas remained unbeaten on 22, guiding Pakistan to a total of 132-7 in 20 overs.
Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Masakadza, Maposa, Ryan Burl, and Richard Ngarava claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan made four changes to their playing XI, resting key players Saim Ayub, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf. They were replaced by Sahibzada Farhan, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Hasnain, and Arafat Minhas. Zimbabwe made one change, with Tindotenda Maposo replacing Trevor Gwandu.
Pakistan Playing XI: Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Qasim Akram, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Hasnain.
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tindotenda Maposo.
