HARARE: Zimbabwe on Friday beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the second fixture of the three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club after the Men In Green failed to reach the 119-run target.
This was the first time Zimbabwe won a T20I against Pakistan and helped them level the ongoing three-match T20I series at one-all. Pakistan, who were chasing a target of 119 runs, slumped to 99 all out, with one ball remaining.
Captain Babar Azam remained the top scorer for Pakistan, making 41 off 45 balls, while Danish Aziz contributed another 22 runs from 24 balls. The only other player to reach a double-digit score was Mohammad Rizwan, who managed 13 from 18 balls.
The home team’s bowlers did well on their side, with Luke Jongwe leading the way by taking four wickets for 18 runs. Ryan Burl took two wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava took one wicket each.
Earlier, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was the only Zimbabwe batsman to post a respectable score, making 34 as the hosts reached 118-9 in 20 overs. Six Pakistan bowlers shared the wickets with Mohammad Hasnain (2-19) and Aziz (2-29), while Ashraf, Arshad Iqbal, Haris Rauf and Usman Qadir took one each.
Fast bowler Arshad Iqbal was given the T20I debut cap while middle-order batsman Asif Ali was recalled to the side. The two had replaced Haider Ali and Mohammad Nawaz.
Pakistan are touring Zimbabwe after winning one-day international and T20 international series against South Africa. The final T20 match against Zimbabwe is scheduled for Sunday and will be followed by two Tests, beginning on April 29 and May 7.
