T20 World Cup 2022, PAK vs ZIM: Zimbabwe pip Pakistan in last over thriller

Zimbabwe celebrating after the win [Source: Twitter]

The 24th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup saw Zimbabwe register a narrow one-run win over Pakistan in Perth on Thursday. Craig Ervine's troops opened their account in the points table with this nail-biting victory. 

Zimbabwe post a paltry 130 despite a good start

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe got off to a decent start, with Wesley Madhevere and Craig Ervine adding 42 runs in five overs for the first wicket. But soon, Pakistan bounced back in style, dismissing three wickets in the blink of an eye. 

Sean Williams played a crucial knock [Source: Twitter]

Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza tried to consolidate the innings, as the duo added 31 runs for the fourth wicket. But Shadab Khan broke the stand by dismissing Williams and triggered a collapse, that engulfed Raza, Regis Chakabva and Luke Jongwe in no time. 

However, a priceless 19-run cameo from Brad Evans ensured Zimbabwe crossed the 120-run mark, as they finished on 130 for 8 in 20 overs. 

Mohammad Wasim Jr starred with the ball for Pakistan, scalping four wickets for 24 runs. 

Agony for Pakistan, Ecstasy for Zimbabwe!

Just like their opponents, Pakistan disastrously began their innings. Continuing their poor batting form, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan got out cheaply for the second consecutive time. Then, adding to their miseries, Luke Jongwe dismissed Iftikhar Ahmed, leaving Pakistan reeling at 36 for three in 7.4 overs. 

Sikandar Raza registered a spectacular three-for [Source: Twitter]

But Shan Masood and Shadab Khan resurrected the innings beautifully, stitching a vital 52-run stand for the fourth wicket. Then, however, Sikandar Raza emerged as Zimbabwe's man with a golden arm, removing Shadab and Haider Ali in two successive deliveries. Soon, Masood made his way back to the dugout after playing a fighting knock of 44 runs. 

Soon, Pakistan found themselves down on the mat, needing 29 runs in the last three overs with four wickets in hand. The game went down to the wire eventually, with Pakistan needing three to win in the final delivery. Brad Evans delivered a full ball, which Shaheen Afridi drove to mid on. The ball was thrown to the striker's end and Regis Chakabva dislodged the bails to ensure Zimbabwe's jubilant celebration. 

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe: 130/8 (20)
Sean Williams 31 (28), Brad Evans 19 (15);
Mohammad Wasim Jr 4/24 (4), Shadab Khan 3/23 (4)

Pakistan: 129/8 (20)
Shan Masood 44 (38), Mohammad Nawaz 22 (18);
Sikandar Raza 3/25 (4), Brad Evans 2/25 (4)

Zimbabwe won by one run. 

Also Read: Anrich Nortje records best bowling figures for South Africa in T20 World Cups