PAK vs ZIM 1st T20I Highlights: Pakistan Seal 57-Run Win As  Haris Rauf, Muqeem Dismantle Zimbabwe

Pakistan beats Zimbabwe by 57 runs in 1st T20I [Source: @ZimCricketv/X.com]

In a bowling masterclass from Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem, Pakistan bowled out Zimbabwe for 108 runs, thus securing a 57-run convincing victory in 1st T20I of 3-game series. Having set up a 165-run chase, the visiting bowling attack got breakthroughs at the right time and a lower order collapse only made things easy for Pakistan.

Here's how PAK vs ZIM 1st T20I panned out in Bulawayo:

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Agha Salman Fails Miserably As Myers Takes A Screamer To Remove Pakistan Captain

---

PAK vs ZIM Highlights: Saim Ayub wastes a positive start

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Omari Yousuf fell early on 16 off 13 balls against Ngarava, but in-form batter Saim Ayub and Usman Khan had a 39-run partnership for the second wicket. Ayub looked positive initially in the powerplay but holed out to Trevor Gwandu at long-off. Ayub couldn’t get the timing right on a short ball and wasted his positive start.

PAK vs ZIM Highlights: Tahir-Irfan’s partnership guides Pakistan to competitive total

Zimbabwe succeeded in chipping wickets at regular intervals to prevent partnerships until Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan showed utmost resilience. Tahir slammed 39 off 25 balls while Irfan contributed with 27 off 15 balls. The 65-run crucial partnership for 5th wicket propelled Pakistan to a 165/4 total at the end of the first innings.

PAK vs ZIM Highlights: Zimbabwe off to flyer start in chase

Zimbabwe, despite losing Brian Bennett early in the powerplay, had a stable start owing to Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sikandar Raza’s 59-run partnership. With the required rate in control, the host team appeared to be cruising in the chase until a suicidal call for a second run cost Marumani his wicket. The duo went for a second run on a misfield, and Marumani was caught short, leading to the fall of 3rd wicket.

PAK vs ZIM Highlights: Zimbabwe collapses, Pakistan nails 57-run win

The run-out triggered an unwarranted collapse. Haris Rauf dismissed Ryan Burl for 3 off 8 balls as the batter holed out to mid-off in a failed attempt to attack. Sufiyan Muqeem deceived Madande with a sharp googly before Jahandad delivered the final blow to dismiss Sikandar Raza. The skipper misused a cut shot off Jahandad’s short ball, and Ayub, at backward point, latched a sharp catch to leave Zimbabwe trailing at 95/6.

Sufiyan Muqeem tightened the leash to wrap up the tail. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 108 as Pakistan clutched a 57-run victory to lead the 3-game series 1-0. 

---

ALSO READ

[Watch] Haris Rauf Breathes Fire For Pakistan; Bamboozles Williams With A Corker

---