T20 World Cup 2022: Zimbabwe shocked Pakistan on Thursday with a run in a thrilling match for the 2022 T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe decided to bat after winning the toss, scoring 130/8. Shan Masood was the top scorer of the night with 44 of his 38 balls; but Pakistan was ultimately eliminated after failing to hit the three runs needed to win on the final ball of the game yesterday night.
Sikandar Raza was Zimbabwe’s top bowler at his 3/25 mark. Brad Evans, also showcased a brilliant performance by taking two important wickets by giving 25 runs.
Pakistan suffered their first-round defeat to Zimbabwe in a Super 12 duel at the second match of T20 World Cup in Perth on Thursday. At this time currently, they are suffering a big setback in the semi-final race. In low-scoring incidents, Pakistan managed 129/8 against Zimbabwe’s 130/8 only, which is quite unexpected from their end.
Pakistan Team Gives a Reply
Pakistan got off to a cautious start to the hunt with 131 runs; but two huge power play wickets gave Zimbabwe a sniff.
Babar Azam was sent back by Brad Evans’ beautiful bowling during the crucial moments of the play. And outstanding Blessing Muzarabani cleared Mohammad Rizwan on the inside edge for 14 (16).
Iftikhar Ahmed was also eliminated cheaply but Pakistan still looked to be in control of the game with a solid partnership between Shan Masood and Shadab Khan with 6.5 overs to go and he went 88/3.
However, inspired Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza with two balls, took two wickets; and Shadab and Haider Ali were easily eliminated on the pitch yesterday.
A Slow But Good Start For Zimbabwe In The Second Match of T20 World Cup 2022
After going first, Zimbabwe took off when daring Wesley Madhevere and skipper Craig Ervine landed spectacular shots in the first two overs. With his five bounds within the major first three overs; Zimbabwe got off to a great start and he sped up with ten runs per over.
Some of that early momentum started to fade when Ervine was sent back by the young gem Haris Rauf and his partner was nipped up front by Wasim in the next over. Shadav Khan defeated Milton Shumba before Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza got to work on their revival.
Things quickly turned around as Shadab sent back Williams and Chakabva, with Chakabva repelling a spectacular grab from Babar Azam.
Shadab completed his fantastic 4-0-23-3 spell, but from the other side Zimbabwe had much more in store. In the next over, after Zimbabwe lost two wickets of consecutive balls to Shadab, Zimbabwe lost another two wickets when Mohammad Wasim dismissed consecutive balls from Raza and Luke Jonwe.
95/3, what looked like a solid start soon made him 95/7 as the Pakistani bowlers went on a rampage at Perth. Eventually, with the help of Brad Evans, they mounted a brilliant total of 130/8.
Pakistan Vs Zimbabwe – An overview
Zimbabwe fielded a modest 131, smothering Pakistani hitters and regularly picking up wicket to stop coveted rivals 129-8.
Pakistani-born all-rounder Sikandar Raza turned the match around in four overs; including wickets from Shanmasood (44), Shadab Khan (17) and Haider Ali.
Right pacesetter Brad Evans returned with his figures of 2/25; Blessing Mzarabani (1/18) and Luke Jonwe (1/10) also had great wins.
It was an upsetting second loss for Pakistan after losing to arch-rivals India by four wickets in another thrilling game.
It has been Zimbabwe’s first strong victory in two games. The African side had previously shared points with South Africa after a clear washout.
Pakistan’s star players – skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan – in their second opener in the tournament did not get off to a good start.
Conclusion
After Zimbabwe was limited to a modest 130-8 at Perth Stadium after an unusual defeat to India in Sunday’s opening game; Pakistan threw their tournament into disarray but lost the same number of wickets.
After a terrifying defeat against India; Mohammed Nawaz’s nightmare tournament continued, as he was caught on the second ball from the end of the match against Brad Evans (25-2), who was hitting 11 runs and scored 22 runs. He had a pillow at the end.
Raza once again failed to repeat his form in qualifying. He was bounced off Wasim, caught by Rauf in the next over, and bowled to Luke Johnwe on the next ball. It was the end of a historic night at Perth with Zimbabwe landing a clear sweep victory over Pakistan and trying to stand a chance in the race to qualify in the semi-finals.
