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All-Round Dominance: Mohammad Nawaz Guides Pakistan to Tense Victory in Tri-Series Opener
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Match Report: Nawaz Heroics Guide Pakistan Past Spirited Zimbabwe in Tri-Series Thriller
Pakistan started their T20 Tri-Series campaign with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over a determined Zimbabwe side in Rawalpindi. The hosts were forced to rely on their middle and lower order to chase down the competitive target of 148 runs, with Mohammad Nawaz starring in a crucial all-round display.
Zimbabwe Innings: Spinners Trigger Collapse
After Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, Zimbabwe launched a blistering start, powered by their openers.
- Blistering Start: Brian Bennett (49) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30) provided a fantastic platform, racing to 72 for no loss after eight overs, with Bennett dominating the scoring.
- Pakistan’s Comeback: However, the introduction of spin completely derailed the innings. Mohammad Nawaz provided the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Marumani and triggering a dramatic slump.
- Middle-Order Failure: Zimbabwe went from a commanding position to 128 for 8, losing seven quick wickets as the scoring rate plummeted.
- Sikandar Raza’s Resistance: Skipper Sikandar Raza managed to halt the collapse, scoring an unbeaten 34 off 24 balls to drag the total to a competitive 147 for 8. Nawaz was the most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 2 wickets for 22 runs.
Pakistan Chase: Middle-Order Rescue Mission
Chasing 148, Pakistan endured a catastrophic start, putting their position in jeopardy early in the powerplay.
- Early Jitters: Seamer Brad Evans delivered a stunning spell, causing a swift top-order collapse that included the removal of opener Sahibzada Farhan (16) and trapping Babar Azam LBW for a three-ball duck.
- Deep Trouble: When veteran spinner Graeme Cremer dismissed Saim Ayub, Pakistan found themselves reeling at 54 for 4 in the 10th over, giving Zimbabwe a genuine chance at an upset.
- Stabilizing Partnerships: The hosts were rescued by a vital stand between Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. Fakhar counter-attacked effectively, hitting two sixes and two fours to score a crucial 44 off 32 balls.
- Nawaz Seals the Deal: After Fakhar fell, Usman Khan (37* off 28) steered the chase, forging an unbeaten 36-run partnership with the Player of the Match, Mohammad Nawaz. Nawaz secured the victory with a late flourish, hitting two boundaries in the final over to complete the chase with four balls to spare.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe 147/8 (Brian Bennett 49, Sikandar Raza 34*; Mohammad Nawaz 2/22) lost to Pakistan 151/5 (Fakhar Zaman 44, Usman Khan 37*, Mohammad Nawaz 21*; Brad Evans 2/26) by 5 wickets.
IMAGE CREDITS : CRICBUZZ
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