Pakistan Win by 10 Wickets | ZIM vs PAK, Highlights of 2nd T20I 2024
In the match played on 3rd December 2024, at the Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo, The Pakistan team won the second Twenty20 International series in an exciting manner by defeating Zimbabwe by a margin of 10 wickets. Zimbabwe was bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I score, and this was also a historic low for the team apart from Pakistan’s 2-0 series win. Let’s know the important moments and highlights of the game.
ZIMBABWE and PAKISTAN Teams
Here’s a table listing the playing XIs for both teams:
| Pakistan | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Brian Bennett |
| Usman Khan (WK) | Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK) |
| Salman Agha (C) | Dion Myers |
| Tayyab Tahir | Sikandar Raza (C) |
| Irfan Khan | Ryan Burl |
| Jahandad Khan | Clive Madande |
| Abbas Afridi | Tashinga Musekiwa |
| Haris Rauf | Wellington Masakadza |
| Abrar Ahmed | Richard Ngarava |
| Sufiyan Muqeem | Blessing Muzarabani |
| Omair Yousuf | Trevor Gwandu |
*In the toss, Zimbabwe chose to bat first.
Zimbabwe Batting Collapse
Zimbabwe’s first decision to bat proved disastrous very quickly, with the batters folding completely by Pakistan’s bowlers. The hosts made just 57 runs, setting their record for the lowest ever in the history of T20I, smashing the previous low of 82 runs.
The openers, Brian Bennett (21) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (16), got off to a stirring start with a 37-run partnership before their dismissals triggered the spectacular collapse of the Zimbabwean middle order. A lethal fast bowling of 5 wickets at 3 runs in a sensational spell of 2.4 overs defined Sufiyan Muqeem for Pakistan. Zimbabwe simply fell apart as spin continued to tear at them with Muqeem’s bowling, and their batting line showed a weakness under pressure. The disciplined attack of Pakistan’s tight spells has left no place for Zimbabwe to recover from Abbas Afridi and Salman Agha.
Pakistan’s Chase
The chase was an easy target of just 58 runs, Pakistan easily crossed the finish line. The openers for Pakistan: Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf crushed the target, scoring an easy 61 runs for no loss in merely 5.3 overs.
Saim Ayub was the star of the chase, playing an exciting knock of 36 runs from 18 balls, including a stylish six over fine leg. His enervating batting, coupled with Omair Yousuf’s steady knock of 22 not out from 15 balls, helped Pakistan achieve the target without the loss of a wicket. Their partnership has guided Pakistan to a powerful 87-ball victory, which is the highest ever won by Pakistan in terms of balls remaining in T20I cricket.
Muqeem’s Career Best Performance
Of all the players in the match, the brightest star, without any doubt, was Sufiyan Muqeem’s brilliant performance with the ball made him eligible for the Player of the Match award. A fabulous five-wicket haul, it not only became the best haul of his career but also shattered Zimbabwe’s hopes of mounting a competitive total. His ability to spin sharply and also deceive by variations was very much to witness. Muqeem’s formidable spell also included the wicket-taking of Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, and Clive Madande, therefore breaking Zimbabwe’s middle order.
Important Highlights of the Match
- Zimbabwe was out for a dismal 57 in a mere 12.4 overs, which is their lowest-ever total.
- Muqeem’s 5-wicket haul for 3 runs turned the tide of the match in just 2.4 overs and brought Pakistan an easy win over Zimbabwe.
- Pakistan scored another 58 runs in the chase with 87 balls remaining and without the loss of a wicket, giving it a complete victory.
- That six over fine leg was the foundation or the preamble of the chase as the quickest 36 that Ayub compiled was off 18 balls.
- Yousuf further added a calm 22 not out to ensure that Pakistan won the game easily.
Upcoming Fixtures
To be staged at the Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo, the third and final T20I will be played on December 5, 2024. Hoping to bury beneath their recent woes, the Zimbabwe team will be hoping that their last match in this series will end in victory.
Pakistan was superb and totally dominant in the second T20I, with an excellent contribution from both the bowlers and the batsmen. The mentions of Sufiyan Muqeem’s match-winning spell and the opening partnership by Ayub and Yousuf probably conclude the day. Pakistan has already taken the series, but the team hopes to keep performing till the last match. The other team, Zimbabwe, needs some regrouping and should come onto the next installation much stronger.
