Pakistan have lost the second consecutive match of the Super 12 round of ICC T20 World Cup 2022 to Zimbabwe after being thrashed away against India in their opening encounter. Two back-to-back closed defeats have demolished their chances to qualify for the semi-final as they sit in the second-last spot, just above the Netherlands, with zero points.
On being induced to chase as Zimbabwe won the toss, they conceded 130 runs with the heroics of bowlers including Wasim Jnr, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf – They grasped a four-wicket haul, a three-wicket haul, and a single wicket only for 12 runs respectively.
However, chasing 131 became challenging after the openers Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan failed to do bigger with the bat. Shan Masood’s 44 from 38 went in vain on the bowl-supportive pitch as Sikandar Raza’s heroics truly worked for Zimbabwe.
He clutched three wickets, including a run-out, which turned out to be match-winning for them and was awarded man of the match for the wonders he did.
The match became even more interesting to watch with three required from two balls. Brad Evan’s efforts to target Mohammad Nawaz made things even critical for the men in green. The thrilling last over situation once again created in the Pakistan Cricket Match awaited to witness a boundary from three of one needed.
Nevertheless, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s run-out by Sikandar gifted Zimbabwe the match as a result of their hard work. Although they did not do much while batting, but were the masters of their art while defending the underdog target.
Bradly Neil Evans was the next best bowler from Zimbabwe after Sikandar, as he picked two scalps for 25 runs. As far as their top batter is concerned, Sean Williams contributed with 31 runs in helping to amass 130 on the board. The easy-looking score became a hurdle for the men in green to hunt, as they fell short of balls on 129 runs on the loss of eight wickets.
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