Pakistan Knocks Hosts Zimbabwe Out Of T20I Series
Zeeshan Mehtab Published July 04, 2018 | 07:00 PM
Pakistan knocked Zimbabwe out of the Twenty20 tri-series in Harare in a closely-fought encounter on Wednesday, beating the hosts by seven wickets with five deliveries to spare.
Harare, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jul, 2018 ) :Pakistan knocked Zimbabwe out of the Twenty20 tri-series in Harare in a closely-fought encounter on Wednesday, beating the hosts by seven wickets with five deliveries to spare.
Opener Fakhar Zaman top-scored for Pakistan with 47 before captain Sarfraz Ahmed overcame a spirited Zimbabwean fightback and saw his side home with an unbeaten 38.
Their efforts meant that Zimbabwean allrounder Solomon Mire's bellicose earlier innings earlier went in vain.
Mire struck 94, the highest score by a Zimbabwean in Twenty20 internationals, but Zimbabwe's 162 for 4 was not enough to overcome the world's top-ranked T20 side.
Zaman said Pakistan was always confident they could pull off a successful chase.
"We have a very deep batting line-up, so we were confident we could chase it," he said.
Pakistan given a rapid start by Zaman and fellow opener Haris Sohail, who took 56 from the Powerplay.
Sohail holed out soon afterwards, but Zaman continued to show the sort of touch that made him vital to Pakistan's successful Champions Trophy run last year.
Mixing aggression with an ability to manoeuvre the ball around the field, he cracked four fours and a six.
The tactic spoke volumes about his development as a limited overs batsman.
"In the start in T20 I was hitting every ball in my striking zone, but after playing eight to 10 games I sat with some senior players like Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed, and spoke about my gameplans with them," Zaman explained.
"I realised that I could play proper cricket shots and be successful (in T20), and that's what I've been doing recently.
" - Ahmed's deft touch - He may have learnt even more from Ahmed's innings of calm precision that kept Pakistan up with an asking rate that hovered around eight for much of the match.
Executing his attacking strokes perfectly, Ahmed found the gaps and the boundaries whenever they were needed.
He displayed a particularly deft touch with his late cut, taking boundaries off left-arm spinners Tendai Chisoro and Wellington Masakadza with the stroke.
With four runs needed from the final over, it was also the shot he used to end the game, gliding seamer Chris Mpofu to the third man boundary.
Where Ahmed's innings was one of finesse, Mire's 63-ball 94 for Zimbabwe showcased big-hitting ability.
Mire started slowly, but hit his first six into the stands beyond long leg to move into the 20s and was soon smashing Pakistan's attack to all corners of the ground.
Mire's fourth six took him to a 32-ball half century, his first in this format, and he wasn't done there.
He collected a fifth six with a huge strike down the ground off Mohammad Nawaz' left-arm spin, and then lifted fast bowler Mohammad Amir for the biggest hit of the day, over the roof of the three storey stand beyond midwicket.
He eventually fell for 94 attempting another big hit, but his 64-run third wicket stand with Tarisai Musakanda boosted Zimbabwe to a respectable total after two poor outings in this tournament.
"We were expecting 130 to 140 on this pitch, but Mire played a very good innings," said Zaman.
It was not enough to beat Pakistan, however, who are now assured a place in Sunday's final against Australia.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
May 9 culprits must be brought to logical end: Hanif Abbasi
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
Balochistan Assembly passes resolution to condemn May 9 attacks
Spain govt vows to block hostile BBVA bid for rival bank
NADRA holds open court to resolve public issues in Quetta
In south Brazil, race on to deliver aid ahead of new storms
Appeals against cipher case verdict adjourned till May 15
PIPS collaborates with CfP to enhance technological, educational infrastructure
China launches new satellite
Incidents of misbehavior with patrolling officers are unacceptable: IG NH&MP
Police arrests drug supplier, recover mainpuri
More Stories From Sports
-
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
9 hours ago -
Wolfsburg win 10th straight women's German Cup final
9 hours ago -
Pakistan , Ireland to lock horns in first T20I match tomorrow
10 hours ago -
Pakistan takes on Ireland in inaugural T20I series on Friday
10 hours ago -
Meeting reviews arrangements for Shandur Polo Festival
10 hours ago -
Mbappe gets ready to say goodbye as PSG digest Champions League exit
10 hours ago
-
Nadal squeezes past qualifier Bergs in Rome opener
12 hours ago -
RSO Hazara organises regional athletics championship on World Athletic Day
12 hours ago -
Crespo-Kewell Champions League rivalry renewed in Asian final
14 hours ago -
28th edition of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Open Golf Championship-2024 begins
16 hours ago -
PBCC gearing up to host 4th T20 Blind Cricket World Cup
16 hours ago -
Pak Taekwondo teams to participate in Asian C'ships
17 hours ago