T20 World Cup 2022
Zimbabwe VS Pakistan Played at Optus Stadium, Perth
Zimbabwe 130/8 (Sean Williams 31, Craig Ervine 19, Brad Evans 19, Mohammad Wasim 4/24,Shadab Khan 3/33)
Pakistan 129/8 (Shan Masood 44, Mohammad Nawaz 22, Sikandar Raza 3/25 , Craig Evans 2/25)
Zimbabwe won by 1 Runs
Player Of the Match: Sikandar Raza
In another match witnessing nail bitting photo finish Pakistan lost by the barest margin of 1 run chasing a modest 130/8 to Zimbabwe. Suddenly from nowhere rank outsider Zimbabwe develops a possible of featuring into top four.
Zimbabwe was lucky in earning a point from South Africa in rain ruin match at Hobart. Pakistan lost a nail bitter against India at MCG.
Zimbabwe started promisingly against Pakistani tearaway pace attack racing to 42 by the 5th over on the first bouncy Optus Stadium wicket at Perth. But the innings got stagnated once the opening partnership was broken. Wasim and Shadab bowling brilliantly caused Zimbabwe slip to 95/7 as four wickets fell at that score.
However, they managed to crawl to 130/8 .It appeared at least 30 runs too less against strong Pakistan. Sean Williams with 31 was the top scorer while Irvine and Evans both contributed 19 in the small score. Wasim with 4/24 and Shadab 3/33 were main wicket takers.
Zimbabwe remained undaunted as Pakistan started their chase in a bizarre fashion. For the second match in succession big guns Babar and Rizwan failed to fire. Pakistan started struggling at 3/36 by the 8th over with previous match hero Iftikhar failing.
Brittle middle order failed to consolidate against enterprising and energetic Zimbabwean attack. Only Shan Masood scoring 44 could held the fort for a while. Sikandar Raza (3/25) again squeezed Pakistan’s suspect middle and late order.
Pakistan was left scoring 36 in the last 5 overs with 4 wickets in tact. Zimbabwe managed squeezing a thrilling win by 1 run as Pakistan could reach 129/8. It was a job well done for Zimbabwe, poor luck for Pakistan. They now run the risk of exiting, while Zimbabwe looks great.
They defended 130 to deny Pakistan their first points and leave them at risk of not making the semi-finals, and they did in extraordinary fashion.
BDST: 1229 HRS, OCT 28, 2022
MN
