T20I Tri-Series 1st match: Pakistan thrash sorry Zimbabwe
Pakistan rode on an all-round show to thrash Zimbabwe by 74 runs in the first match of the T20I Tri-Series in Harare which also involves Australia. Riding on a stellar half-century by Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan posted a challenging total of 182/4. In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for a paltry 108 runs. Here is what happened.
Pak bowlers contribute immensely in mammoth win
Pakistan bowlers were top of their game and picked regular wickets to hurt the Zimbabweans. Opening pace bowlers Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Khan picked two wickets each. Hasan Ali showed his prowess, as well, after picking the wickets of senior batsmen Hamilton Masakadza and Elton Chigumbura. Hafeez, who returned to action after a bowling suspension, picked two wickets in 5 balls.
Pak batsmen come good on the day
Zaman led the way with a magnificent 40-ball 61 runs. He hit three sixes and three fours. This was Zaman's 2nd fifty in T20I cricket. Veteran middle-order batsman Shoaib Malik showed his finesse, once again, after contributing with an unbeaten 24-ball 37. His 62-run stand for the fifth wicket with Asif Ali (41*) changed the course of the match.
Milestone man
Malik proving to be the match-winner
Shoaib Malik has built on his fine form and was vital in the middle-order. He had scored a 27-ball 53 and 22-ball 49 recently, in the two-match T20I series against Scotland. He has amassed 139 runs in the last three innings.
