Bulawayo (Web Desk): Pakistan sealed the series with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first backfired as their top order crumbled under pressure.
After a promising 37-run opening stand between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Biran Bennett, Zimbabwe were reduced to 37/2. Marumani fell for 16, followed quickly by Bennett, who was dismissed for 21, leaving the hosts on shaky ground.
The collapse continued, with Zimbabwe losing their last eight wickets for a meager 20 runs, all out for just 57 in 12.4 overs.
Sufiyan Muqeem was the standout performer, finishing with remarkable figures of 5/3 from 2.4 overs, the best-ever T20I performance by a Pakistan bowler, second only to Umar Gul’s 5/6.
Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf were also crucial with the ball, claiming two and one wickets, respectively. The rest of the attack, including Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed, joined the spree, limiting Zimbabwe to a paltry total.
Pakistan made quick work of the chase, reaching the target of 58 inside the batting powerplay. Saim Ayub was the driving force, blasting 36 off 18 balls with six fours and a six, while Omair Bin Yousuf remained unbeaten on 22 off 15 balls, including two fours and a six, as the team sealed the win without losing a wicket.
This victory followed their dominant 57-run win in the opening match of the series on Sunday, confirming Pakistan's series win with one game still to play.
Teams
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Omair Bin Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.
Zimbabwe: Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tawandanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Wellington Masakadza.
