Zimbabwe deny Pakistan clean-sweep with 2-wicket win in last-over thriller

By Agencies

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling third PAK vs ZIM T20I at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo thanks to a last-over cameo from Tinutenda Mapos.

The hosts chased down the target of 133 in 19.5 overs as Jahandad Khan failed to defend 12 runs in the final over of the final PAK vs ZIM T20I.

Batting first, Pakistan scored 132 for 7 in the allotted 20 overs as captain Salman Ali Agha scored a 32-run knock.

Pakistan had a disastrous start as opener Omair Bin Yousuf was bowled out for a golden duck after scoring just four runs off the second delivery of the second over.

The tourists lost two more wickets in quick succession and were bundled out for 19/3 in the first four-over powerplay.

Batsman Tayyab Tahir scored 21 runs off 14 balls, hitting two fours and a six, while Qasim Akram added 20 runs to the total.

Arafat Minhas and Abbas Afridi added a valuable 27 runs for the seventh wicket before the latter was dismissed after scoring 15 runs off 14.

Minhas remained unbeaten on 22 runs off 26 balls alongside Jahandad Khan who was six not out as Pakistan finished their innings at 132 for seven in the third PAK vs ZIM T20I.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s opening pair gave them a strong start as Brian Bennett and Tadewanashe Maromani put on a 40-run stand in just 3.1 overs before Maromani was dismissed for 15 runs off six balls.

After their dismissals, Zimbabwe’s wickets continued to fall as the Pakistani bowlers continued to attack at intervals.

For Pakistan, Abbas Afridi took three wickets, Jahandad Khan took two, while Sufyan Muqim and Salman Agha took one wicket each.

In the last over of the third PAK vs ZIM match, the home team needed 12 runs to win. Tinotenda Mapos bowled the first ball for a four, followed by a powerful six.

The left-arm fast bowler gave away a run on his third ball and the score was level.

The Pakistani all-rounder dismissed Tashanga Musikewa on the fourth ball of the last over of the innings and Zimbabwe won the match and also scored another single.

It is worth noting here that Pakistan has already clinched the PAK vs ZIM T20I series by winning the first two matches.