Zimbabwe ended their T20I series against Pakistan on a high, claiming a nail-biting victory in the final match. Chasing 133, the hosts held their nerve in a game filled with twists, securing the win off the penultimate ball. Maposa, playing his debut game, struck a boundary and a six in the last over, sealing Zimbabwe’s triumph with two runs to spare.
Zimbabwe’s Fiery Start Sets the Tone
Zimbabwe’s openers, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, gave the team a flying start. Bennett opened his account with a cracking boundary off Mohammad Hasnain, while Marumani dominated Jahandad Khan with stylish shots through the offside. The duo added 50 runs in just five overs, reducing the pressure on the middle order.
Bennett showcased his attacking flair, plundering 19 runs off Hasnain’s second over, while Marumani’s reverse sweep off Salman Agha underlined his confidence. Zimbabwe reached 73 for 1, cruising towards the target, but the middle order’s struggles threatened to undo the good work.
Muqeem and Afridi Spark a Collapse
Pakistan clawed back through Sufiyan Muqeem’s mesmerizing spell. His variations baffled the Zimbabwean batters, with his wrong-uns proving particularly hard to read. Muqeem’s figures of 4-1-19-1 reflected his brilliance, though they didn’t fully capture the pressure he created.
Abbas Afridi complemented Muqeem’s efforts, striking crucial blows at the other end. In a matter of overs, Zimbabwe went from 73 for 1 to 94 for 5, with Pakistan sensing an unlikely victory.
Raza Falls, Pakistan Takes Control
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s talisman, was expected to anchor the chase. However, his dismissal off Jahandad Khan’s bowling handed the momentum back to Pakistan. With 12 runs needed off the final over and Maposa on strike, Zimbabwe’s hopes seemed slim.
Maposa’s Last-Over Magic
The final over saw debutant Maposa rise to the occasion. He edged a boundary past the keeper and followed it up with a towering six over square leg, igniting the Bulawayo crowd. Though there was a brief scare when Tashinga Musekiwa was dismissed, Richard Ngarava and Maposa scrambled the winning run, sparking jubilant celebrations.
Read: Pakistan Rests Shaheen Afridi for South Africa Test Series
Pakistan’s Batting Woes Continue
Earlier in the game, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered once again. Blessing Muzarabani set the tone by dismissing Omair Yousuf for a duck. Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl applied pressure with disciplined spin, exposing Pakistan’s vulnerabilities against slower bowling.
Salman Agha’s 32 and brief cameos from Tayyab Tahir and Qasim Akram steadied Pakistan, while Arafat Minhas and Abbas Afridi added late runs. However, their total of 132 was well below par, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers dictating terms throughout the innings.
Zimbabwe Take Positives from the Series
While Pakistan claimed the series 2-1, Zimbabwe’s performance in the final game showcased their fighting spirit. The win highlighted their ability to hold their nerve in pressure situations and offered glimpses of emerging talents like Maposa. For Pakistan, the loss exposed middle-order fragility and the need for stronger batting performances under pressure.
The match was a testament to cricket’s unpredictability, leaving fans on both sides entertained until the final ball.
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