Zimbabwe secured a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final T20I, avoiding a series whitewash. Chasing a target of 133 runs, they reached the total with one ball to spare after struggling through their innings. Brian Bennett excelled with 43 runs, while debutant Tinotenda Maposa played a crucial role in the final moments. Pakistan had previously set the target after their own disjointed batting performance, ending the series at 2-1 in their favor.
Zimbabwe achieved a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third and final T20I held at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, thus preventing a series whitewash. Pakistan, after opting to bat first, set a target of 133 runs. The hosts managed to chase down the target with just one ball remaining in a match defined by tense moments, giving them a consolation win and finishing the series with Pakistan leading 2-1.
In pursuit of the modest target, Zimbabwe’s opening partnership of Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani provided a quick start, accumulating 40 runs in 3.2 overs. Bennett was awarded the Player of the Match for his impressive innings of 43 runs off 35 balls. However, Zimbabwe faced significant challenges as they slipped from a promising 70-1 to 112-6, losing multiple wickets in quick succession. Despite this setback, debutant Tinotenda Maposa played a crucial role in the final over, striking both a four and a six, ultimately leading to Richard Ngarava scoring the winning run on the fifth ball of the last over.
Pakistan’s innings saw them struggle initially, falling to 19-3 within four overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha offered resilience, contributing 32 runs with support from Tayyab Tahir’s 21 runs. The middle order struggled against disciplined Zimbabwean bowling, managing only 132 runs for their total. On the bowling front for Pakistan, Abbas Afridi stood out, achieving figures of 3-24 in his four overs, while Sufyan Moqim, who secured nine wickets throughout the series, was honored as the Player of the Series.
The third T20I match between Zimbabwe and Pakistan was pivotal for Zimbabwe as they faced the risk of a series whitewash after losing the first two matches. This match was their opportunity to regain some pride and showcase their competitive spirit. Pakistan had performed solidly in the series up to this point, demonstrating their strength in T20 cricket. Thus, the final match was anticipated to be a battle, with Zimbabwe seeking a commendable performance at home.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s victory in the third T20I against Pakistan was a significant achievement that allowed them to avoid a series whitewash. Despite facing challenges during their innings, they displayed resilience and effective gameplay. Pakistan’s early difficulties and the contributions throughout their innings highlighted their vulnerabilities. Overall, this match served as a testament to Zimbabwe’s potential in international cricket and concluded the series with Pakistan ahead at 2-1.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
