Bulawayo: Pakistan delivered a resounding 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a modest target of 58 runs, Pakistan’s opening pair of Saim Ayub and Omair Bin Yousuf completed the chase with ease inside the powerplay, highlighting their dominance.
Batting Blitz
Saim Ayub was the star of the innings, smashing a blistering 36 off just 18 balls, adorned with six boundaries and a six. His partner Omair Bin Yousuf contributed a composed 22 not out from 15 deliveries, including two fours and a six.
Zimbabwe’s Collapse
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired as their batting line-up collapsed to a paltry 57 runs in just 12.4 overs.
Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Biran Bennett provided a bright start with a 37-run stand. However, their dismissals in quick succession triggered a dramatic collapse, with the home side losing their last eight wickets for just 20 runs.
Bennett top-scored for Zimbabwe with a brisk 21 off 14 balls, while Marumani managed 16. No other batter reached double figures.
Bowling Masterclass
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, wreaked havoc. Muqeem delivered a stunning spell of 5/3 in 2.4 overs — the best figures by a Pakistan bowler in men’s T20Is since Umar Gul’s 5/6.
Pacer Mohammad Abbas Afridi claimed two scalps, while Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, and Abrar Ahmed picked up one wicket each.
Series Decider Awaited
With this emphatic win, Pakistan sealed the series ahead of the final T20I on December 5, also set to take place in Bulawayo.
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Omair Bin Yousuf, Uskam Khan (wk), Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem.
