BULAWAYO (SNP Report): A combined team effort helped Zimbabwe register a consolation victory in the third T20I against Pakistan at the Queens Sports Club on Thursday.
It’s important to highlight that Pakistan won the series 2-1 after dominant victories in the first two matches. The hosts, while chasing a target of 133 runs, successfully achieved the target of the penultimate delivery after losing eight wickets.
Brian Bennett led Zimbabwe’s run-chase with a 43-run knock from 35 balls, which featured six boundaries and one six. Skipper Sikandar Raza (19) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (15) kept the hosts in the hunt amidst falling wickets before debutant Tinotenda Maposa struck 12 off 4 to steer Zimbabwe to the famous victory.
Earlier, Pakistan, after opting to bat first, were restricted to 132-7, courtesy of a disciplined bowling attack by Zimbabwe bowlers. Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza’s new ball spell left Pakistan struggling on 19-3 in four overs before captain Salman Ali Agha played a stable 32-run knock from as many balls.
Tayyab Tahir played a quick cameo of 21 off 14, while Qasim Akram struck 20 off 16 before Arafat Minhas scored an unbeaten 22 to take Pakistan’s total to 132-7 in 20 overs.
Muzarabani led the bowling attack with two wickets, while Masakadza, Tinotenda Maposa, Ryan Burl and Richard Ngarava bagged one wicket each.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan made four changes to their Playing XI, resting key players Saim Ayub, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf. They were replaced by Sahibzada Farhan, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Hasnain, and Arafat Minhas. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe made one change, with Tindotenda Maposo coming in to replace Trevor Gwandu.
Brian Bennett, Player of the Match, shared: It’s nice to contribute to the team’s win. We got Afghanistan next week. It’s nice to take the win and some momentum into the next week. I’m happy to bat wherever coach and captain wants. We are a young team as well so we are always learning on the game. Today it’s a good feeling and to finish off with a victory is very good.”
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe Captain, shared: We wanted to win the series but unfortunately we couldn’t. We stood with our youngsters. We had a tough tour but we backed them and for them to win us the game is certainly heartwarming and I’m really grateful for this win. We wanted to get the previous games out of our system because you gonna have to come fresh and clear your thoughts.”
Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan Captain, shared: It’s been outstanding; the way youngsters came in and the way they put their show was outstanding. I would have liked to score more runs but yeah I’m happy I’m contributing with bowling and as captain. It’s been very long and we are going to South Africa. There will be sore bodies, that’s what we want, that’s why we play cricket.
“We love this game and it doesn’t matter if it’s sore body. We will try to win there as well. I think (Saim and Sufyan) both have a long future ahead and they will serve Pakistan for a long time. Saim has been playing three formats and doing really well. and Sufyan; he came in Australia, did really well against them and here, he is man of the series; it’s outstanding — they both have a long future.”
SCORES IN BRIEF: Zimbabwe 133 for 8 (Bennett 43, Afridi 3-24) beat Pakistan 132 for 7 (Salman 32, Muzarabani 2-25) by 2 wickets.
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