Sufiyan Muqeem’s remarkable five-wicket haul guided Pakistan to a dominant 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.
Pakistan easily chased down the modest target of 58, reaching it within the batting powerplay without losing a wicket. Saim Ayub played a key role in the chase, scoring 36 off 18 balls, including six fours and a six, while Omair Bin Yousuf remained unbeaten on 22 from 15 balls, hitting two fours and a six.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first backfired as they struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers. The hosts were reduced to 37/2, after a strong start from openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett, who had a 37-run partnership. Marumani fell for 16, and Bennett was dismissed for 21, triggering a collapse. Zimbabwe lost their last eight wickets for just 20 runs, with none of the remaining batters reaching double figures.
Sufiyan Muqeem was the standout bowler, taking 5/3 from 2.4 overs, the second-best figures in T20I history for Pakistan. Abbas Afridi took two wickets, while Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, and Abrar Ahmed each claimed one. Zimbabwe was all out for just 57 runs in 12.4 overs.
This victory follows Pakistan’s 57-run win in the first T20I, and they now lead the series 1-0.
Teams: Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Omair Bin Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.
Zimbabwe: Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tawandanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Wellington Masakadza.
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