Pakistan off to a flying start with a convincing T20 win over Zimbabwe | Cricket News – Times of India

Pakistan secured a comfortable 57-run victory against Zimbabwe in the opening Twenty20 international of a three-match series. The match took place on Sunday in Bulawayo.
Pakistan, aiming for a white-ball double after winning the ODI series 2-1, chose to bat first after winning the toss. They posted a total of 165-4. Zimbabwe, in response, were bowled out for 108 in 15.3 overs.
At Queens Sports Club, Pakistan found themselves at 100-4 with 34 deliveries remaining. Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan then combined for a crucial 65-run partnership. They capitalized on some loose bowling and fielding from the Zimbabwean side.

Tahir top-scored with an unbeaten 39, hitting one six and four fours. He shared top-scoring honors with Usman Khan, who also scored 39, including two sixes and two fours.
Irfan Khan contributed a brisk 27 off 15 balls, hitting three fours.
“Irfan and I were talking to each other and decided to run hard, hit every ball and if we cannot make a six, then run.”
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged the impact of the late surge in Pakistan’s innings.
“To leak 40-odd runs in the last few overs shifted the momentum. To be all out for 108 is a really tough pill to swallow.”
Raza, who also led the scoring for Zimbabwe with 39, proved to be their most effective bowler. His spin bowling accounted for the wicket of Pakistan captain Salman Agha (13).
Zimbabwe’s chase began with a promising 59-run partnership for the third wicket between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Raza. This stand provided a glimmer of hope for the home side.
However, shortly after Marumani was run out by Usman Khan for 33, Raza was caught at backward point by Saim Ayub for 39. The Zimbabwean innings then crumbled, losing their last four wickets for a mere 13 runs.
Jahandad Khan dismissed the dangerous Raza, after which Sufiyan Muqeem tore through Zimbabwe’s tail, taking three wickets.
Abrar Ahmed also claimed three wickets, while Haris Rauf took two, contributing to Zimbabwe’s collapse.
The two teams will face each other again on Tuesday and Thursday for the remaining two T20Is.
Pakistan finished their innings with a total of 165-4 in their allotted 20 overs. Usman Khan and Tayyab Tahir both scored 39 runs, while Irfan Khan remained unbeaten on 27. Saim Ayub added 24 runs to the total.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 108 in 15.3 overs. Sikandar Raza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 39 runs, while Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed 33. Sufiyan Muqeem took 3 wickets for 20 runs for Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed also claimed 3 for 28, and Haris Rauf took 2 for 17.
Pakistan won the match by 57 runs.
Pakistan now leads the three-match T20I series 1-0.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.