BULAWAYO: On Thursday, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the final T20I of the three-match series against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club. The match marks the conclusion of an exciting T20I series, with both teams eager to deliver their best in the series decider.
Having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Pakistan is looking to complete a clean sweep in the third and final T20I. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the playing XI for the match, which includes Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha (captain), Tayyab Tahir, Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Sufiyan Muqeem. This squad is determined to continue their dominant form ahead of their upcoming tour to South Africa.
The Pakistan team’s impressive performance in the second T20I, where they registered a comprehensive 10-wicket victory, has added to their confidence. Sufiyan Muqeem was the standout performer in that match, taking a remarkable 5 wickets for just 3 runs. His incredible bowling spell played a pivotal role in dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, which was bowled out for a meager 57 runs in just 12.4 overs.
Despite a promising start from Zimbabwe’s openers, Brian Bennett (21) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (16), Zimbabwe’s batting collapsed dramatically. Muqeem’s brilliant spell left Zimbabwe reeling, losing their last 10 wickets for just 20 runs. In response, Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Omair Yousuf, made quick work of the chase. Ayub remained unbeaten on 36, while Yousuf added 22 not out, securing the win for Pakistan in just 5.3 overs.
This dominant victory came after Pakistan’s 57-run triumph in the first T20I, further solidifying their superiority in the series. The team had earlier emerged victorious in the ODI series, securing a 2-1 win.
Captain Salman Ali Agha praised the team’s disciplined performance after the second T20I, particularly Muqeem’s outstanding performance. “Sufiyan’s performance was phenomenal. It’s always exciting to see young talent shine on the international stage,” Agha commented.
Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, acknowledged his team’s struggles, stressing the need for improvement and focusing on long-term development. “We’ve made repeated mistakes, and it’s disappointing. We need to regroup and focus on our growth,” Raza said.
As the final T20I approaches, Pakistan has a golden opportunity to complete the series sweep, which would provide them with invaluable momentum heading into their upcoming tour to South Africa, where they will face a series of Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.