PERTH: Zimbabwean bowlers produced remarkable performance and powered their side to defend a paltry total to upset Pakistan in the third match of today’s tripleheader in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Batting first, Zimbabwe could manage to score 130/8 in their quota of 20 overs despite their opener providing a flying start. Zimbabwean opening pair of Wessley Madhevere and Craig Ervine charged Pakistan bowlers right from the start and added 38 runs in just four overs. Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf then struck in his first over to break the flourishing partnership and hand Pakistan a much-needed breakthrough as he removed Ervine for 19. Madhevere’s stay also remained brief at the crease and perished in the next over as Mohammad Wasim Jr trapped him in his legs for 17.

Sean Williams then attempted to anchor the innings with a gritty knock of 31 and stitched two vital partnerships for his side with Milton Shumba and Sikandar Raza respectively. Shadab Khan, however, put an end to Williams’ inning in the 10th over as he castled the latter for 31. He faced 28 deliveries and smashed three boundaries. Following Williams’ departure, Zimbabwe ran into a frustrating collapse as the side lost four wickets in a span of just five deliveries and slipped to 95/7 in the 15th over. Ryan Burl and Brad Evans then stood up for their team and stitched a vital 31-run partnership for the eighth wicket to guide Zimbabwe to a comparatively decent total of 130/8 in 20 overs.

Evans scored 19 before falling to Wasim Jr in the final over, while Burl remained unbeaten on 10. Mohammad Wasim Jr led the bowling attack for Pakistan as he returned with astounding figures of 4/24, while Shadab bagged three. Haris, on the other hand, made one scalp.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 28 2022

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