BULAWAYO: Pakistan posted a challenging total of 165-4 in their opening T20I against Zimbabwe at the Queen Sports Club on Sunday, thanks to solid contributions from Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan faced an early setback when Omair Yousuf was dismissed for 16 off 13 balls with the score on 18. Saim Ayub provided some stability with a quick 24 off 18 balls, including two boundaries and a six, but was removed by Zimbabwe’s Wellington Masakadza.
Usman Khan was pivotal in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings, scoring 39 off 30 balls, which included two boundaries and two sixes. He formed a crucial partnership with Tayyab Tahir, with the duo putting on a quick 65-run stand off 34 balls. Tahir’s fiery knock of 39 runs from 25 balls, featuring three boundaries and a six, anchored the middle-order and gave Pakistan the much-needed momentum.
The visitors reached a competitive total, with Khurram Irfan also contributing an unbeaten 27 off 15 balls, smashing three boundaries in his short but effective knock.
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For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza Butt, Wellington Masakadza, Ryan Burl, and Richard Ngarava all claimed one wicket each. While Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu were unable to take wickets, their disciplined bowling kept the runs in check.
With the target set at 166, Pakistan will look to defend their total with a new-look bowling attack as they aim to take a lead in the three-match series.
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