Nail-Biter in Bulawayo: Zimbabwe Edge Past Pakistan in Final Over Drama

The cricketing heart of Bulawayo witnessed a pulsating encounter as Zimbabwe pulled off a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 3rd T20I of the series. Despite already conceding the series 2-1, the win resonated with the home crowd, who sang and cheered their team on until the final delivery.

The match, a masterclass in unpredictability, swung wildly between the two teams. From Zimbabwe’s blistering start to Pakistan’s dogged fightback, it was a cricketing spectacle that reminded fans why they love the game.

Zimbabwe’s Fiery Start with the Bat

Chasing a modest 133, Zimbabwe’s openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani came out blazing. The intent was clear as Bennett whipped Mohammad Hasnain to the square leg boundary off the first ball. Marumani, continuing his fine form, capitalized on loose deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking.

By the fifth over, Zimbabwe had rocketed to 50, reducing the target to a mere formality. Hasnain’s erratic second over, which leaked 19 runs, only compounded Pakistan’s woes. By the end of the powerplay, Zimbabwe looked set for a comfortable win, sitting at 73 for 1.

Muqeem’s Magic Nearly Turns the Tide

Enter Sufiyan Muqeem, Pakistan’s breakout spinner, whose mesmerizing spell gave the visitors hope. With his deceptive wrong-uns and pinpoint accuracy, Muqeem turned the game on its head, slicing through Zimbabwe’s middle order.

From 73 for 1, Zimbabwe stumbled to 94 for 5, with Muqeem and Abbas Afridi ramping up the pressure. Muqeem’s figures of 4-1-19-1 don’t fully capture the brilliance of his spell, which left Zimbabwe’s batters flummoxed.

With the run rate climbing to 12 per over and star all-rounder Sikandar Raza dismissed, Pakistan seemed poised for a miraculous defense.

The Nerve-Wracking Final Over

As the final over began, Zimbabwe required 12 runs with debutant Tinotenda Maposa on strike. Against all odds, Maposa swung the momentum back with a boundary and a massive six over square leg, leaving the hosts needing just two runs off two balls.

Drama unfolded as Tashinga Musekiwa, attempting a glory shot, miscued, leaving Zimbabwe with a tense finish. The final ball saw Richard Ngarava slap the ball towards mid-off and scamper for a single amidst chaos, sealing Zimbabwe’s thrilling victory with one delivery to spare.

Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Continue

Earlier in the game, Pakistan’s batting woes were on full display. Reduced to 39 for 3 in the powerplay by an inspired Zimbabwean attack led by Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza, the visitors struggled to find momentum.

Captain Salman Agha provided some stability, scoring a gritty 30, while Qasim Akram’s 20 off 15 added brief fireworks. Late cameos from Arafat Minhas and Abbas Afridi pushed Pakistan past the 130 mark, but the total never felt safe against a determined Zimbabwean side.

Key Performances

Zimbabwe:
- Richard Ngarava: Delivered under pressure with a crucial final-over run.
- Brian Bennett: Set the tone with a fiery start, scoring quick runs in the powerplay.
- Tinotenda Maposa: Debutant heroics in the final over, including a vital six.
Pakistan:
- Sufiyan Muqeem: Game-changing spell of 4-1-19-1, nearly winning the game for Pakistan.
- Salman Agha: Steady knock to give Pakistan a fighting chance.

What’s Next for Zimbabwe and Pakistan?

For Zimbabwe, this win is a confidence booster, proving they can compete under pressure against top teams. It highlights the team’s resilience and offers a glimpse of the young talent coming through the ranks.

For Pakistan, the series win is bittersweet, as their middle-order fragility and inconsistent bowling remain areas of concern ahead of major tournaments. Sufiyan Muqeem’s emergence, however, provides a silver lining.

Final Thoughts

Zimbabwe’s two-wicket win in Bulawayo wasn’t just about the result; it was about the heart, grit, and unpredictability of cricket. The Bulawayo crowd, soulful and spirited, got the thrilling finish they deserved.

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