Bulawayo, December 5, 2024 – Zimbabwe secured a dramatic victory over Pakistan in the third and final T20I, winning by two wickets in a nail-biting finish. The hosts successfully chased a target of 133 runs, avoiding a clean sweep and concluding the series with a 2-1 result in Pakistan’s favor.
Zimbabwe reached the target on the penultimate ball of their innings, with Brian Bennett playing a pivotal role. Bennett’s composed knock of 43 runs off 35 balls anchored the chase, while captain Sikandar Raza added a valuable 19 runs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Zimbabwe’s lower order held their nerve to seal the win.
On the bowling front, Pakistan’s Abbas Afridi was the standout performer, taking three wickets for 24 runs in his four-over spell. Jahandad Khan also contributed significantly, claiming two wickets to keep Pakistan in contention.
Earlier, Pakistan struggled with the bat, posting a modest total of 132 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. Captain Salman Agha led the charge with a top score of 32 runs, supported by Tayyab Tahir (21), Qasim Akram (20), and Arfat Minhas (22). However, the lack of big partnerships proved costly for the visitors.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers performed exceptionally well, with Blessing Muzarabani leading the attack. He took two wickets for 25 runs in his four overs, applying pressure on the Pakistani batters throughout their innings.
The victory marked a significant achievement for Zimbabwe, showcasing their resilience and ability to compete against stronger teams. While Pakistan secured the series win, the hosts’ spirited performance in the final match drew praise from fans and experts alike.
This thrilling contest highlights the growing competitiveness in international cricket, as Zimbabwe continues to develop its talent pool. For Pakistan, the match serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining focus and delivering consistently, even in games with lower stakes.
Both teams will now shift their attention to upcoming fixtures, with Zimbabwe celebrating their hard-fought win and Pakistan reflecting on areas for improvement as they prepare for future challenges.