Zimbabwe beat Pakistan by a single run in the biggest upset of the T20 World Cup 2022 so far at Perth on Thursday.
In the third match at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, Zimbabwean bowlers put on a stunning display and encouraged their team to defend a meager total to defeat Pakistan.
While batting first, Zimbabwe managed to reach 130/8 in their allotted 20 overs despite a strong start from their opener.
Wessley Madhevere and Craig Ervine, the opening batsmen for Zimbabwe, attacked the Pakistani bowlers right away, scoring 38 runs in just four overs.
Read more: England defeated Pakistan in T20 World Cup warm-up match
Then, the Pakistani speedster Haris Rauf struck in his first over, removing Ervine for 19, ending the developing partnership and giving Pakistan a much-needed breakthrough against Zimbabwe.
Madhevere’s time at the wicket was likewise brief, and in the following over, Mohammad Wasim Jr. trapped him in his legs for a score of 17.
Then, with a tough 31-ball innings, Sean Williams made an attempt to lead the innings and formed two crucial partnerships for his team with Milton Shumba and Sikandar Raza, respectively.
However, Williams’ innings came to a stop in the 10th over when Shadab Khan dismissed him for 31. He hit three boundaries while facing 28 deliveries.
Zimbabwe saw a frustrating collapse after Williams left the field as the team lost four wickets in the space of just five deliveries and dropped to 95/7 in the 15th over against Pakistan.
Then, Ryan Burl and Brad Evans rose to the occasion on behalf of their side, putting up a crucial 31-run partnership for the eighth wicket that helped Zimbabwe to a respectable score of 130/8 in 20 overs.
Evans scored 19 before losing to Wasim Jr. in the final over, while Burl finished with 10 to maintain his perfect record.
Mohammad Wasim Jr., who returned with incredible figures of 4/24, spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack, and Shadab added three more wickets. Meanwhile, Haris took one wicket.
Disappointing Babar
Yet again, Babar Azam failed to build a strong start. It is clear that Babar has lost his form since T20 Asia Cup, in which Pakistan captain failed to shine in the tournament.
However, during the last T20 series against England, Babar did score a hundred, but did not regain his top form. In first opener against India, Babar also failed to score a single run and was LBW by Arshdeep Singh.
Teams
Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah
Zimbabwe: Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (capt), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Brad Evans, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
