Twitter Reactions: Iftikhar Ahmed and Babar Azam propel Pakistan to a clean win over Zimbabwe

The second match of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe saw the action unfold at the Rawalpindi cricket stadium. Coming on the back of the comprehensive victory in the first match, Pakistan appeared to be brimming with confidence from the time they stepped into the cricketing field. Men in red were outplayed in all the departments in the first clash. However, Brendan Taylor stood out as the player of the match for his scintillating century against the tearaway pace attack spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Invited to bowl first, Pakistan went all guns blazing against the feeble top-order of the Zimbabwe cricket team. The opening pair-Brain Chari and Chamu Chibhabha could not play their role to perfection. Both of them had to show their back in the first 10 overs scoring 25 and 6 runs respectively. Coming in at 3, Craig Ervine also could not put his best foot forward. The experienced batsman was bowled out by Musa Khan after notching 3 runs.

As pressure mounted on the middle-order batsmen to showcase the propensity of poise and calm, the previous match superstar proved his mettle but not for too long. He was dismissed at the score of 36 runs after smashing 3 fours and 2 herculean sixes. At this stage, the experienced Sean Williams took over the innings with sheer elegance. Transferring the pressure on Pakistani bowlers, the 34-year-old scored a brilliant 75 runs with phenomenal 10 fours and 1 six. The southpaw took the score to 171 before he was caught by Shaheen Afridi at the boundary.

Eventually, the tailenders took over the onus from thereon and they got bundled out after posting an ordinary total of 206 runs with 29 balls to spare.

Babar Azam decimates the Zimbabwe bowling attack

In response, Pakistani openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abid Ali took the opposition bowlers on complete remand. Going wicketless for 68 runs, the stupendous batsmen stamped their authority over the 22 yards of the pitch with spectacular shots all around the field. Albeit, Imam was caught behind at 49 by Brendon, he left behind a sense of triumph on the pitch. Subsequently, it turned out to be a one-sided affair as Pakistan registered a comprehensive second win on the back of Babar Azam’s spectacular 77 unbeaten knock. Hence, he directed the team’s ship to a robust triumph.

The two teams will hit the floors again for the final showdown on 3rd November at the same stadium.

Here are the best tweets on PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI

Baber Azam after playing a match winning knock and being rewarded with an iTel phone #PAKvZIM pic.twitter.com/oq7V61CjHG

— Daniyal Shaikh (@Batlerbingman) November 1, 2020

Congratulations @iMusaKhan and @iamhaideraly on your ODI debuts. Captain’s innings by @babarazam258 in his first ODI series as captain. Allah aap ko aur puri Pakistan team ko izat de. Well played team Pakistan. I am watching every ball and supporting my country. #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/dIF7Ai7nHi

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) November 1, 2020

Maiden Five-Wickets Haul For Iftikhar Ahmed Against Zimbabwe in First ODI Match 🏏🇵🇰🇿🇼#Cricket #PAKvZIM pic.twitter.com/jh6FK8BoEa

— Asfand Abbasi🇵🇰 (@Asfi_Here) November 1, 2020

Iftikhar Ahmed's performance in ODIs before today:

23 Overs
2 Maidens
Runs conceded 101
Wickets taken 1

Iftikhar Ahmed's performance today:

10 overs
2 Maidens
Runs conceded 40
Wickets taken 5#PAKvZIM pic.twitter.com/8qD2Sh0ehD

— Ahmad ™🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadhaseeb) November 1, 2020

Well Played Babar Azam 7️⃣7️⃣*
Well Played Imam 4️⃣9️⃣
Well Played Iftikhar 1️⃣6️⃣* & 5️⃣ Wickets .
Pakistan Win the series and Lead by 2-0 .Babar 1st series Win As a Captain. Haider Ali Cameo was 🔥#PAKvZIM

— Junaid Zaffar 🇵🇰 🏏 (@iam_DrJZK) November 1, 2020

Babar the run machine for Pakistan has done his job in an adorable way. What a classy player to watch!♥️💯#PAKvZIM

— Fakhar Abbas (@Fakharhuyar) November 1, 2020

I would like to congratulate Mr Aleem Dar on breaking a record of most appearances in ODI Matches as an Umpire.Being a Pakistani really proud of him @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/9IJCJD7GWz

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) November 1, 2020

Pakistan were more at home today gliding to an easy win. With the series wrapped up, expect to see more youngsters like Haider Ali given an opportunity in the last game!

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) November 1, 2020

Pakistan won the match and won the series with one match to go.
Babar Azam played Captain's innings and take his team home.#PAKvZIM

— Farah (@iFarah_Tweets) November 1, 2020

Pakistan win by 6 wickets #PAKvZIM pic.twitter.com/DvVZ4YpyZ1

— PTV Sports (@ptvsportse) November 1, 2020

That's it babar Azam finishes it off with a six and Pakistan win by 6 wickets and seal the series 2-0 with a game to play #PAKvZIM #Cricket

— Mustafa Saleem (@callmemuzzy) November 1, 2020

Highest Average in Successful Run-chases in ODIs for Pakistan (min. 15 innings)

74.28 Umar Akmal (17 inn)
73.58 BABAR AZAM (21 inn)*
68.86 Abdur Razzaq (37 inn)
67.95 Misbah-ul-Haq (38 inn)
66.24 Javed Miandad (45 inn)#PAKvZIM

— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) November 1, 2020

Lowest strike rates in the first 10 overs in ODIs since 2017 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/tQvdwHblrJ

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 1, 2020

Iftikhar Ahmed previously in ODIs:

23 – 2 – 101 – 1

Iftikhar Ahmed today:

10 – 2 – 40 -5#Cricket #PAKvZIM

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 1, 2020

Aleem Dar:

Most ODIs as an umpire – 210
Most Tests as an umpire – 132
2nd highest T20Is as an umpire – 46#Cricket pic.twitter.com/78mYjiJnWm

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 1, 2020

Ifitkhar Ahmed (5-40) proves why you should have 6th bowler in ODIs/T20Is. If one bowler is having a bad day – as it happened with Imad today – there should be a backup plan. Not to forget his batting. Since 2017, he's 2081 runs in List A cricket at Avg 69.9 and SR 100+ #PakvZim

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 1, 2020