Pakistan posted a target of 166 runs for Zimbabwe to chase in the first T20I of the three-match series in Bulawayo. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan scored 165/4 in their 20 overs.
Openers Umair Yousuf and Saim Ayub started the innings, but the partnership was brief as Umair was dismissed for 16. Saim Ayub followed soon after, contributing 24 runs, with Pakistan losing their second wicket at 57. Usman Khan added 39 runs before being dismissed, and captain Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 13 runs before his departure.
Tayyab Tahir (39*) and Irfan Khan (27*) remained unbeaten, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total.
Salman Ali Agha is leading Pakistan for the second time, and Umair Yousuf made his international debut in this match.
Notably, teams batting first have won 13 out of 16 games played at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo, with the average first innings total at this venue being around 150 runs.
Pakistan and Zimbabwe have faced off in 18 T20s, with Pakistan dominating, winning 16 matches, while Zimbabwe has managed to win just 2 games.
Pakistan XI: Salman Ali Agha (C), Saim Ayub, Umair bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim.
Zimbabwe XI: Sikandar Raza (C), Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tawandanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani.
