Pakistan started their T20I series against ZIMBABWE with one resounding 57-run win in Bulawayo. Headed by the extraordinary spells of Harris Rauf AND Sufi Muqeemthe visitors bowled out Zimbabwe for just 108 runs, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Muqeem, with career-best figures of 3/20, stood out, while Rauf’s accuracy ensured timely breakthroughs.
A balanced start for Pakistan after winning the toss
Pakistan decided to strike first with the intention of setting a daunting target. However, the innings started to falter as openers Omar Yousuf fell early, managing 16 off 13 deliveries before being undone by a sharp delivery from Richard ship. Despite early setbacks, Saim Ayub AND Usman Khan brought stability to the innings with a 39-run partnership for the second wicket. Ayyubi showed glimpses of his talent with some elegant shots but fell for 21, miscuing a pull shot that landed safely in the off-spinner’s hands, leaving Pakistan in a rebuilding phase.
Tayyab Tahir’s game-changing innings
Tayyab Tahir emerged as the star of Pakistan’s effort with a composed but aggressive knock of 39* 25 balls. Entering a precarious moment, Tahiri counterattacked with flair, mixing timing and power. His ability to find gaps and clear players underlined his batting prowess.
Tahir’s partnership with Irfan Khan was instrumental in turning the tables. The pair added 65 runs for the fifth wicket, with Tahir anchoring the stand while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. His shot selection, especially his ability to send anything loose, proved crucial in Pakistan reaching a competitive total. Irfan Khan played a perfect supporting role alongside Tahir, scoring a blistering 27 off just 15 balls. His aggressive strokeplay not only complemented Tahir but also ensured that Pakistan finished on a strong note. Irfan’s contribution, though overshadowed by Tahiri, played a vital role in the last wave of runs.
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Zimbabwe’s bright start fades quickly: Sufiyan Muqeem and Haris Rauf shine
Zimbabwe started their chase with promise despite the loss Brian Bennett early. A solid 59-run partnership between We have found Marumani AND Sikandar Raza kept the hosts in contention. Marumani, in particular, looked comfortable against the pacers and was useful in keeping the innings going. However, a poor call for a second run led to Marumani’s dismissal, opening the floodgates for a Zimbabwean collapse. After his departure, Zimbabwe lost wickets in a flurry, with no batsman able to withstand Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
Muqeem’s left-arm spin was a revelation on the slow surface. His innings, especially the googly, left Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order reeling. Rauf, with his pace and accuracy, continued to strike at crucial moments, barring key shots like Ryan Burl cheap price Zimbabwe skipper Raza stood tall amid the rubble, scoring a brave 39 off 28 balls. However, his dismissal – an unexpected shot, brilliantly caught at backward point – sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sufiyan Muqeem gave a fantastic bowling performance defending a total of 165 runs. 🔥
Career best T20 bowling figure for him. (4-0-20-3)#PakistanCricket #PAKvsZIM pic.twitter.com/Y0b9VRKnXq— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) December 1, 2024
SUFYAN MUQEEM IN CHINA HE IS….!!!
– Incredible bowling by China’s Sufyan Muqeem. He finished his spell of 4 overs in 3/20″.
Well done Sufjan. 🇵🇰❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/I4MfYEqk1J
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Really like watching Sufiyan Muqeem bowl, early days but great control in a really hard skill to do well. Rarely do you see someone so inexperienced have good control bowling left wrist spin. Fun shooter!
— Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) December 1, 2024
Excellent performance from Pakistan, especially from relatively new faces in the format of Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
With few more entries, Pakistan can develop these players into the main T20 squad.#PAKvWINTER pic.twitter.com/t2JZdrJNAM
– Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) December 1, 2024
Pak won by 57 runs against Zimbabwe
What a victory..!
Brilliant bowling by Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed..❤️ pic.twitter.com/eDB5gLoyql
— M Saim (@MSaim494015) December 1, 2024
39* off 25 for Tayyab Tahir. Just another day where he proves why he is one of the best white-ball players in Pakistan. We have lost so many years of his career #PAKvWINTER #PakistanCricket
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 1, 2024
Tayyab Tahir might not be a very classy player, but the guy knows how to find gaps and when to play big shots. #PAKvsZIM
— Ahsaan Elahi (@Callme_ahsaan) December 1, 2024
Man of the match goes to Tayyab Tahir for his Incredible & Crucial 39 runs in the over for Pakistan. 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/FjNvRQGhww
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.#ZIMvPAK #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/eYaNe7a8zu pic.twitter.com/4tFtdinkeP
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 1, 2024
A crucial contribution of 35 not out off 25 deliveries – Tayyab Tahir is man of the match today 🌟#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/qCTVLnTfCK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 1, 2024
