Zimbabwe stuns Pakistan in T20I dead rubber

Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling final match of the three-match T20I series at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target of 133, Zimbabwe openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett launched a spirited start, unsettling Pakistan's pace attack with a 40-run partnership.

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha provided the breakthrough, dismissing Marumani for 15. However, Bennett kept Zimbabwe in contention with an aggressive 43 off 35 balls before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem, who had starred with a five-wicket haul in the second T20I.

Following Bennett’s departure, Zimbabwe faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals and falling behind the required run rate.

Zimbabwe batters in action during the third T20I against Pakistan.Zimbabwe Cricket

Pakistan's bowlers, particularly pace all-rounder Abbas Afridi, who claimed three scalps, and the spinners, tightened the screws. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza fought valiantly with a gritty 19 off 20 balls but was dismissed with 21 runs needed from the final two overs.

In the decisive last over, Tinotenda Maposa played the hero, smashing an unbeaten 12 off four balls, including a six and a four, to seal a dramatic victory for Zimbabwe.

Pakistan batting falters

Earlier, Pakistan, opting to bat first, struggled to build momentum and posted a below-par 132/7 in 20 overs. Their innings got off to a disastrous start, with opener Omair Bin Yousuf dismissed for a golden duck in the second over. The early collapse saw Pakistan reeling at 19/3 inside four overs.

Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir briefly revived the innings with a brisk 21 off 14 balls before falling in the eighth over.

Captain Agha anchored the innings with a cautious 32 off 32 balls, forging crucial partnerships with Qasim Akram (20) and Arafat Minhas. Minhas remained unbeaten on 22 from 26 balls, while Abbas Afridi contributed a handy 15 off 14 during a seventh-wicket stand of 27 runs.

Zimbabwe's bowlers shared the spoils, with Blessing Muzarabani picking up two wickets, and Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, and Ryan Burl chipping in with one wicket apiece.