HARARE, April 25: Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 24 runs on Sunday to win the three-match T20I series 2-1.
Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 91 and captain Babar Azam’s 52 helped Pakistan to 165/3 before fast bowler Hasan Ali’s four-wicket haul helped the visitors restrict Zimbabwe to 141/7.
Zimbabwe got off to a good start to the chase with a 37-run opening stand between Wesley Madhevere (59) and Tarisai Musakanda (10).
Hasan Ali got the breakthrough by trapping Musakanda LBW.
Madhevere then put up 65 for the second wicket with Tadiwanashe Marumani (35). Marumani was dismissed by Mohammad Hasnain after which Zimbabwe collapsed. They managed to score just 38 runs in the last six overs.
Pakistan were off to a steady start with Sharjeel Khan (18) and Rizwan putting up 35 off 30 balls. After the former fell, Rizwan and Azam then put up a blistering 126-run stand for the second wicket that came in just 89 balls.
Pakistan skipper Azam on Sunday added another feather to his highly illustrious cap as he became the fastest batsman to reach 2,000 runs in T20I format.
Babar achieved the feat in the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. (Agencies)
