Pakistan Trounce a Listless Zimbabwe in a Historic Match: Pakistan v Zimbabwe T20I report

Pakistan Trounce a Listless Zimbabwe in a Historic Match: Pakistan v Zimbabwe T20I report: Pakistan comprehensively defeat Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in the first twenty twenty match. Barring a minor hiccup at the end it was smooth sailing all the way for the Pakistan team. The victorious side chased down 172 runs with 3 balls to spare. This was a historic match for them as it was the first match that was played in Pakistan soil after 2272 days (6 years).

The Pakistan fans must be all smiles now with a test playing nation touring their country after a long time and what a way to kick off the historic series, with a win! The Gaddafi Stadium was jam-packed with a huge multitude of people turning out. Having won the toss and opting to bat, the Zimbabwe batsmen had their task cut out and opener Masakadza scored a quick fire 43 off 27 balls. He was ably complimented by Elton Chigumbura who recorded his highest T20 International score with a 54 off 35 balls. With a few rusty blows in the end by Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwe side posted a par looking 172 on board. Wahab Riaz picked up his 100^th T20  international wicket, and Mohammed Sami impressed with 3 wickets.

Chasing a difficult 173 to win, the Pakistani openers provided their team the best possible start as they put on a splendid 142 runs for the first wicket. Mukhtar Ahmed and Ahmed Shehzad were unstoppable as they dispatched the deliveries with ease and grace. Ahmed scored his fifty in just 26 balls. The talented young player is surely a one for the future as he continued his attacking batting and scored 83 off 45 balls with 12 fours and 3 sixes. He overshadowed Ahmed Shehzad who got to a fifty as well.

They were racing really fast to the finish line with the team hundred coming up in 56  balls. Finally, it was a comfortable and a comprehensive victory for Pakistan as they vanquished the Zimbabwe side easily with 3 balls to spare. Zimbabwe too put up a spirited fight and proved that they may be minnows as per the rankings but they are far more capable than what the numbers suggest. It would have been greatly heartening for the Pakistani public as they were able to witness an international match in their home soil after 6 long and forgettable years. The next T20 match is held on Sunday 24^th of May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Brief Score:

Zimbabwe 172/6 (20/20 overs)

Pakistan 173/5 (19.3/20 overs)

(Zimbabwe: E Chigumbura 54, Mohammad Sami 3-36; Pakistan: Mukhtar Ahmed 83, Ahmed Shehzad 55, A Cremer 2-28)

Pakistan won by 5 wickets (with 3 balls remaining).