Pakistan they started the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a resounding 57-run win in Bulawayo. Spearhead his extraordinary spells Harris Rauf and Sufi Mukemthe visitors bowled out Zimbabwe for just 108 runs, securing a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Muqeem, with a career-best figure of 3/20, stood out, while Rauf’s accuracy ensured timely breakthroughs.
Balanced start for Pakistan after the win
Pakistan chose to bat first with the intention of setting a formidable target. However, the innings got off to a shaky first start Omar Yusuf fell early, managing 16 off 13 deliveries before being undone by a sharp delivery from Richard Shipp. Despite the early setback, Shaim Ayub and Usman Khan brought stability to the innings with a 39 run partnership for the second wicket. Ayub showed glimpses of his talent with some elegant touches but fell on 21, missing a pull shot that landed safely in the hands of the long-term host, leaving Pakistan in a rebuilding phase.
Tayyab Tahir’s game-changing innings
Tayyab Tahir he emerged as the star of Pakistan’s effort with a composed but aggressive knock of 39* off 25 balls. Walking into a precarious moment, Tahir fought back with flair, combining timing and power. His ability to find gaps and clear the fields highlighted his batting ability.
Tahir’s collaboration with Irrfan Khan was instrumental in overturning the participants. The duo added 65 runs for the fifth wicket, with Tahir anchoring the stand while maintaining a quick score. His shot selection, particularly his ability to dispatch anything loose, proved instrumental in Pakistan getting to a competitive total. Irfan Khan played a perfect supporting role alongside Tahir, scoring 27 off just 15 balls. His aggressive knock not only complemented Tahir but also ensured Pakistan ended the innings on a strong note. Irfan’s contribution, though overshadowed by Tahir, played a vital role in the final burst of runs.
READ ALSO: ZIM vs PAK 2024: Pakistan’s best XI for T20I series against Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s bright start fades fast: Sufiyan Muqeem and Haris Rauf shine
Zimbabwe started their chase with promise, despite the loss Brian Bennett early. A solid partnership of 59 conducted between We found Marumani and Sikandar Raza kept the hosts in contention. Marumani, in particular, looked comfortable against the pace and was instrumental in stabilizing the innings. However, a poor call for a second run resulted in Marumani being run out, opening the floodgates for a Zimbabwean collapse. After his departure, Zimbabwe lost wickets in a flurry, with no batter able to withstand Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
Muqeem’s left-arm spin was a revelation on the slow surface. His variations, particularly the googly, left Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order unfazed. Rauf, with his pace and accuracy, continued to strike at crucial moments, dismissing key shots such as Ryan Berle cheap Zimbabwe captain Raza stood tall among the rubble, scoring 39 off 28 balls. However, his dismissal – a mistimed shot that caught brilliantly at the back – sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sufiyan Muqeem gave a fantastic bowling performance while defending a total of 165 runs. 🔥
Best T20 bowling figure of his career. (4-0-20-3)#PakistanCricket #PAKvsZIM pic.twitter.com/Y0b9VRKnXq— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) December 1, 2024
SUFYAN MUQEEM IN CHINA IS….!!!
– Incredible bowling by China’s Sufyan Muqeem. He completed his 4 overs at 3/20.”
Well done Sufian. 🇵🇰❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/I4MfYEqk1J
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
I really enjoy watching Sufiyan Muqeem bowl, from the early days, but great control at a really difficult skill to get good at. It’s rare to see someone so inexperienced have decent left-arm bowling control. Fun bowler!
— Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) December 1, 2024
Good performances from Pakistan, especially from relatively new faces in the form of Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
With a few more innings, Pakistan can develop these players into the top T20 team.#PAKvWINTER pic.twitter.com/t2JZdrJNAM
– Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) December 1, 2024
Pak beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs
What a victory..!
Excellent bowling by Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed..❤️ pic.twitter.com/eDB5gLoyql
— M Saim (@MSaim494015) December 1, 2024
39* off 25 for Tayyab Tahir. Another day proving why he is one of the best white ball players in Pakistan. We have wasted so many years of his career🙄 #PAKvWINTER #PakistanCricket
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 1, 2024
Tayyab Tahir may not be very classy but the guy knows how to find gaps and when to play big shots #PAKvsZIM
— Ahsaan Elahi (@Callme_ahsaan) December 1, 2024
Man of the match goes to “Tayyab Tahir” for his Incredible & Crucial 39 runs in the over for Pakistan. 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/FjNvRQGhww
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.#ZIMvPAK #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/eYaNe7a8zu pic.twitter.com/4tFtdinkeP
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 1, 2024
A crucial contribution of 35 not out from 25 deliveries – Tayyab Tahir is man of the match today 🌟#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/qCTVLnTfCK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 1, 2024
READ ALSO: ZIM vs PAK 2024: Zimbabwe’s best XI for T20I series against Pakistan