ZIM vs PAK, T20 WC 2022: With an embarking and splendid all-round performance, underdogs Zimbabwe has outplayed insurgents Pakistan to record a historic one-run victory in their second Super 12 fixture at the WACA Stadium in Perth. With this, Pakistan’s qualification to the semifinals is now in jeopardy.
Zimbabwe batters could post just 130 runs on board
Winning the toss at the Western Australia Cricket Australia (WACA) Ground, Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine made an iconic decision to bat first. Batting first, Zimbabwe rode on to an expedited start but soon struggled to maintain consistency and could only post 130/8 in their first innings of 20 overs.
The opening pair of Madhevere (17) and Ervine (19) played quick-fire knocks and recorded a flying stand of 42 runs for the first wicket in just 5 overs. As a result, Zimbabwe could post 50 runs in a power play. However, the middle order deliberately failed in their efforts to capitalize on the solid start as only Sean Williams (31) and Brad Evans (19) played impactful knocks.
For Pakistan, Mohammed Wasim starred in the bowling attack with his cunning figures of 4/24. He was supported by a resilient bowling display of Shadab Khan (3/23). Haris Rauf (1/12) chipped in a wicket apiece.
Bowlers held their nerves to register a thrilling one-run win
Chasing a modest total of 131 runs, Pakistan was off to a sluggish start owing to the slumping knocks of top-order batsmen Rizwan (14), Azam (4), and Ahmed (4). As a result, Pakistan struggled at 28/2 at the end of the power play. Theron, Shan Masood (44), and Shadab Khan (17) soon came to the rescue and registered a vital stand of 52 runs for the fourth wicket.
However, their efforts went in vain as the lower middle order except for Mohammed Nawaz (22) failed to edge past a victory for their side. Nawaz tried his best to guide Pakistan over the line by smashing a six in the 19th over to reduce the equation to 11 runs in the last over. However, Pakistan’s hopes ended when Nawaz got dismissed in the fifth ball of the last over. On the last ball, Shaheen failed to score three runs thereby suffering a one-run defeat over Zimbabwe.
For Zimbabwe, Sikander Raza bowled brilliantly and recorded a match-winning figure of 3/25. Brad Evans (2/25) grabbed a couple of crucial wickets whereas Luke Jongwe (1/10) and Blessing Muzzarabani (1/18) scaled a wicket apiece.
PAK vs ZIM Highlights, T20 WC 2022: Brief Scores
Zimbabwe 130-8 ( Seam Williams 31, Brad Evans 19; Mohammad Wasim Jr 4-24) Pakistan 129-8 (Masood 44, Nawaz 22; Raza 3-25)
Stay hooked to the Latest Cricket News, Latest Cricket Match News, Live Cricket Score, Latest Cricket Match Score, Indian Cricket Team News & much more only at Cricketflicker!
