T20I Tri-series opener: Pakistan overcome batting collapse to beat Zimbabwe
What's the story
Pakistan narrowly defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in the opening match of the T20I Tri-Series in Rawalpindi. Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, the hosts faced early setbacks and a middle-order collapse. However, Usman Khan's unbeaten 37 and Mohammad Nawaz's late flourish ensured victory with four balls to spare. Zimbabwe had set a target of 148 runs for Pakistan after being invited to bat first on a two-paced surface.
1st innings
Zimbabwe falter after great start
Zimbabwe posted a total of 147/8, with Brian Bennett leading the charge with a stylish 49 off 36 balls (8 fours). He dominated the powerplay, adding 72 runs for the first wicket with Tadiwanashe Marumani (30 off 22). However, spinners Mohammad Nawaz (2/22) and Abrar Ahmed (1/28) turned the tide in the middle overs. Skipper Sikandar Raza (34* off 24) was the only other Zimbabwe batter with a 15-plus score. Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Saim Ayub also struck once.
Chase challenges
Pakistan's chase: A roller-coaster ride
Pakistan's chase got off to a shaky start with openers Sahibzada Farhan (16) and Ayub (22) throwing away their starts. The fall of two more wickets reduced the hosts to 54/4. However, Fakhar Zaman turned the tide with a counterattacking 44 off 32 balls. He smoked two fours and as many sixes. His 61-run partnership with Usman Khan revived Pakistan's hopes despite the former's dismissal at 115 for five.
Nawaz
Fine hand from Nawaz
Nawaz then came in and played an energetic knock of 21 off just 12 balls, including a six and two boundaries to steer Pakistan toward victory. The hosts crossed the line with four balls to spare, sealing a five-wicket win. Having also claimed two wickets, Nawaz was named the Player of the Match. Meanwhile, Usman returned unbeaten on 37 off 28 balls, smoking three fours.
Bowling performance
Zimbabwe's bowling effort falls short
Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by Brad Evans, put up a great fight with Evans himself picking up two crucial wickets and conceding just 26 runs. Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, and Graeme Cremer also contributed with one wicket apiece, but their inability to strike in the final overs cost them a potential upset.