Pakistan started their T20I series against Zimbabwe with a in Bulawayo won a glorious victory of 57. Exclusive leadership Haris Rauf and Sufi MuqimThe visitors bowled out Zimbabwe for just 108 runs to take a 1-0 lead in three matches. Muqeem stood out with career-best figures of 3/20, while Rauf’s accuracy ensured timely breakthroughs.
Balanced start for Pakistan after winning the toss
Pakistan opened fire first with the intention of setting a big target. However, the innings started as an opener Omar Yusuf Fell early, managing 16 from 13 deliveries before being canceled out by a sharp delivery Richard Shipp. Despite the early defeat, Saim Ayyub and Osman Khan Stability brought to the innings with a 39-run partnership for the second wicket. Ayub showed glimpses of his skill with some elegant shots, but was bowled for 21 and misjudged a delivery that fell into the hands of the long-on fielder, leaving Pakistan on the mend.
Tayyib Tahir is a game changer
Tayyib Tahir emerged as the star of Pakistan’s batting efforts with a knock of 39* off 25 balls. Coming in at an awkward moment, Tahir counter-attacked and mixed timing and power. His ability to find gaps and clear pitches highlighted his batting prowess.
Tahir’s partnership with Irfan Khan was of great importance in the transformation of intentions. The duo added 65 runs for the fifth wicket as Tahir kept up the scoring pace. His shot selection, especially his ability to send everything in, was crucial for Pakistan to achieve competitive results. Irrfan Khan played the second best role along with Tahir and scored 27 off 15 balls. His intense batting not only complemented Tahir but also ensured that Pakistan ended the innings on a strong note. Irfan’s contribution, though overshadowed by Tahir’s, played a vital role in the final tally of runs.
READ ALSO: ZIM vs PAK 2024: Pakistan’s best batsman for T20I series against Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s bright start fades quickly: Sufiyan Muqim and Haris Rauf shine
Zimbabwe, despite losing, started their chase with promise Brian Bennett early Strong partnership of 59 years between We found Marumani and Sikandar Raza kept the hosts in the fight. Marumani, in particular, looked comfortable against the pacers and was instrumental in keeping the innings stable. However, a poor call for the second run saw Marumani run out and opened the floodgates for Zimbabwe’s collapse. After his departure, Zimbabwe lost wickets with a flurry of wickets and neither batsman could cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
The rotation of Mukim’s left arm was detected at a slow level. His variations, especially the googly, left Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order unfazed. Rauf continued to strike at key moments with his speed and accuracy, landing key shots such as Ryan Burle Cheap Zimbabwe captain Raza stood in the rubble and scored a brave 39 off 28 balls. However, his dismissal – a mistimed shot brilliantly taken at backward point – sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sufian Muqim bowled fantastic for 165 runs. π₯
Career-best T20 bowling figures for him. (4-0-20-3)#Cricket Pakistan #PAKvsZIM pic.twitter.com/Y0b9VRKnXqβ Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) December 1, 2024
SUFYON IS IN CHINA…!!!
– Amazing bowling from China Sufyon Muqim. He completed his 4 spells on 3/20.
Well done Sufyon. π΅π°β€οΈβπ©Ή pic.twitter.com/I4MfYEqk1J
β Nawaz π΅π° (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Really enjoy watching the Resident Sufi bowl, early days, but great control in a really hard skill to get good at. It’s rare to see someone so inexperienced handle a left-arm bowling action. Fun Bowler!
β Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) December 1, 2024
A good performance by Pakistan, especially the relatively new faces in the form of Tayyib Tahir, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Sufian Muqim, Abrar Ahmed.
With a few more entries, Pakistan can turn these players into a top T20 side.#PAKvWINTER pic.twitter.com/t2JZdrJNAM
– Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) December 1, 2024
Pak beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs
What won..!
Brilliant bowling by Sufiyan Muqim and Abrar Ahmed..β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/eDB5gLoyql
β M Saim (@MSaim494015) December 1, 2024
39* out of 25 for Tayyab Tahir. Just another day where he proves why he is one of the best white ball players in Pakistan. We have wasted so many years of his careerπ #PAKvWINTER #Cricket Pakistan
β Haroon (@hazharoon) December 1, 2024
Tayyib Tahir may not be a super hitter but the guy knows how to find gaps and when to play big shots #PAKvsZIM
β Ahsan Elahi (@Callme_ahsaan) December 1, 2024
Player of the match goes to “Tayyab Tahir” for his amazing and crucial 39 runs in the end for Pakistan. π΅π° pic.twitter.com/FjNvRQGhww
β Nawaz π΅π° (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.#ZIMvPAK Visit #Zimbabwe π https://t.co/eYaNe7a8zu pic.twitter.com/4tFtdinkeP
β Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 1, 2024
Important contribution of 35 not out from 25 deliveries – Tayyib Tahir is the player of the match today π#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/qCTVLnTfCK
β Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 1, 2024