T20I Tri-Series: Fakhar Zaman stars as Pakistan thrash Australia
Pakistan's Zaman played the best T20I innings of his life to help Pakistan beat Australia by 45 runs in the ongoing T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe. Both Pakistan and Australia have booked their places in the final as the Asian giants got their revenge after having earlier lost against the Aaron Finch-led side. In pursuit of 195, Aussies were restricted to 149/7. Here's our report.
Fakhar Zaman makes use of his form
Zaman has been in fine form in Zimbabwe and cashed in on the same with a whirlwind 42-ball 73. The southpaw smashed nine fours and three sixes to make sure his side got to a competitive total. Zaman registered his highest score in T20Is with a fluent knock. He has already amassed 187 runs in four matches and will be vital in the finale.
Ali, Malik heroics help Pakistan get a revenge
Asif Ali and Shoaib Malik, too, chipped in for Pakistan with vital knocks in the middle-order. Malik smashed a 15-ball 27 as Ali hit 37 off just 18 deliveries. It was Ali's unbeaten knock that helped Pakistan get to 194/7, just when the Aussies were trying to make their way back. For Australia, Andrew Tye picked 3/35 and was the pick of the bowlers.
Shaheen Afridi shines on debut
Pakistan U-19 cricketer Shaheen Afridi was handed his debut on Thursday and the pacer was on top of his game. Afridi delivered three crucial breakthroughs that included the wicket of in-form Aaron Finch. His figures of 3/37, on debut, highlights his wicket-taking attributes. The future, definitely, looks bright for the young pacer. Mohammad Amir lend a valuable support with 1/25.
Pakistan set to remain number one in T20is
Pakistan are set to remain the number one side in T20Is after Australia's loss. Finch's side had the chance of clinching the number one spot, but for that, they had to win all their matches in this tournament.
