Bulawayo: Pakistan secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe with a dominant 10-wicket victory in the second match, played in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that proved costly. The home side’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers, collapsing for just 57 runs in 12.4 overs.
Nine Zimbabwean batters failed to reach double figures, with Bryan Bennett (21) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (16) being the only notable scorers.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Sufiyan Muqeem, who delivered a stellar performance, taking 5 wickets for just 3 runs. Abbas Afridi chipped in with 2 wickets, while Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, and captain Salman Ali Agha claimed one wicket each.
Chasing a modest target of 58, Pakistan’s openers made quick work of the total, reaching it in just the sixth over without losing a wicket. Saim Ayub scored an unbeaten 36, while Ameer bin Yousuf remained not out on 22.
With this victory, Pakistan has clinched the series with a 2-0 lead, leaving Zimbabwe with no chance of a comeback in the final match.
Pakistan fielded an unchanged XI, with the team comprising Salman Ali Agha (captain), Saim Ayub, Ameer bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
In the first T20 on Sunday, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 57 runs, setting the tone for the series victory.
