Pakistan started the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a A 57-run win in Bulawayo. He leads with his exceptional spells Haris Rauf and Sufi Muqeemthe visitors bowled out Zimbabwe for just 108 runs to secure a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Muqeem picked up his career-best figures of 3/20, while Rauf’s accuracy ensured timely breakthroughs.
A balanced start for Pakistan after winning the toss
Pakistan chose to bat first with the intention of setting a huge target. However, the innings started poorly at first Omar Yusif He fell early, managing 16 off 13 deliveries before being undone by a sharp delivery from Richard Shipp. Despite early failure, Saim Ayub and Osman Khan He brought stability to the innings with a partnership of 39 runs for the second wicket. Ayub showed his flair with some elegant shots but fell for 21 and mistimed a pull shot that landed safely in the long-swinger’s hands, leaving Pakistan in a rebuilding phase.
Tayyab Tahir’s game-changing shots
Tayyib Tahir He emerged as the star of Pakistan’s batting efforts with a knock of 39* off 25 balls. Tahir, who came in at a safe moment, combined time and power, counterattacked with sensitivity. His ability to find gaps and clear the fielders highlighted his batting prowess.
Tahir’s partnership Irfan Khan played a key role in turning the innings. The duo added 65 runs for the fifth wicket, with Tahir maintaining a fast scoring pace and establishing himself in the stands. His shot selection, especially his ability to send a loose one, was crucial to a competitive result in Pakistan. Irfan Khan played an excellent supporting role along with Tahir, scoring 27 off just 15 balls. His aggressive batting, while complementing Tahir, ensured that Pakistan finished the innings on a strong note. Although Irfan’s contribution was overshadowed by Tahir’s, he was instrumental in the recent surge in runs.
Also READ: ZIM vs PAK 2024: Best playing XI for Pakistan’s T20I series against Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s bright start fades quickly: Sufiyan Mugeem and Haris Rauf shine
Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe started the chase with promise Brian Bennett early. A solid 59-run partnership between We found Marumani and Sikandar Raza kept the hosts in the fight. Marumani in particular looked comfortable against the pacers and helped stabilize the batting. But a poor call for the second run saw Marumani run out, opening the floodgates for Zimbabwe’s collapse. After his departure, Zimbabwe lost wickets with a heavy blow, unable to cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
Muqeem’s left-arm spin was a revelation on the slow surface. His variations, especially his indolence, left Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order clueless. Rauf continued to strike at important moments with pace and accuracy, leaving the main shots behind. Ryan Burl cheap Zimbabwe captain Raza stood tall in the rubble, valiantly hitting 39 off 28 balls. However, his dismissal – a mistimed cut shot brilliantly caught at backward point – sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
Sufiyan Mugeem displayed fantastic bowling as he defended a total of 165 runs. 🔥
Best T20 bowling figure of his career for him. (4-0-20-3)#PakistanCricket #PAKvsZIM pic.twitter.com/Y0b9VRKnXq— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) December 1, 2024
SUFYAN MUQEEM IS IN CHINA….!!!
– Incredible bowling from China’s Sufyan Mugeem. He completed his 4 over spell on 3/20.
Well done Sufyan. 🇵🇰❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/I4MfYEqk1J
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Really enjoying watching Sufiyan Muqeem bowl, early days but great control over a really hard skill to get good at. It’s rare to see a novice bowling left wrist spin decently. Fun bowler!
— Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) December 1, 2024
A fine performance by Pakistan, especially the relatively new faces in the format Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Sufiyan Mugeem, Abrar Ahmed.
With a few more innings, Pakistan can turn these players into a top T20 side.#PAKvWINTER pic.twitter.com/t2JZdrJNAM
– Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) December 1, 2024
Pak won by 57 runs over Zimbabwe
What a victory..!
Brilliant bowling by Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed..❤️ pic.twitter.com/eDB5gLoyql
— M Saim (@MSaim494015) December 1, 2024
39* for Tayyab Tahir off 25. Another day where he proved to be one of Pakistan’s best white-ball players. We have wasted so many years of his career #PAKvWINTER #PakistanCricket
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 1, 2024
Tayyab Tahir may not be very classy but the boy def 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 end 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 Visit #Zimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/eYaNe7a8zu pic.twitter.com/4tFtdinkeP
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 1, 2024
Not 35 from 25 deliveries, a crucial contribution – Tayyab Tahir is the player of the match today 🌟#ZIMvPAK | #BackBoysGreen pic.twitter.com/qCTVLnTfCK
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 1, 2024
