ZIM vs PAK: Pakistan seal T20I series as Sufiyan Muqeem bundle out Zimbabwe for 57 runs

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ZIM vs PAK: Pakistan completed a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, sealing the series 2-0 with a match still to play on December 3.

Zimbabwe's batting collapse, which saw them bowled out for just 57 in 12.4 overs, was highlighted by a brilliant bowling performance from Pakistan's Sufiyan Muqeem, who took 3 wickets for just 5 runs. The Zimbabwean innings crumbled under the pressure of Pakistan's disciplined bowling, with support from Abbas Afridi (2/2) and Salman Agha (1/3).

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat, but their decision quickly backfired. The Pakistani bowlers applied pressure from the start, with the Zimbabwean openers, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett, struggling to find their rhythm. Marumani's reverse sweeps and Bennett's pull shot for six were brief moments of resistance, but both openers soon fell.

Marumani was dismissed for 16, while Bennett's 21 was ended with a catch to cover after a tight over by Afridi. From there, Zimbabwe's collapse was swift. Ryan Burl was dismissed LBW for just 1, and Sikandar Raza, the captain, followed soon after, falling for a low score of 3. The tailenders had little answer to Pakistan's spin attack, and the wickets tumbled quickly.

Muqeem was the standout bowler, taking two wickets in two balls to leave Zimbabwe struggling at 46/6. His exceptional performance included dismissing Tashinga Musekiwa and Wellington Masakadza, who both failed to read his deliveries. As Zimbabwe's batting line-up fell apart, they managed to reach only 57 runs, with Clive Madande's 9 being the highest score from the tail. Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack proved too much for Zimbabwe as the hosts were unable to recover from their disastrous start.

Chasing the paltry target of 58, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub (36*) and Omair Yousuf (22*), made short work of the target. Ayub started aggressively, hitting a six over fine leg and scoring quick runs with Yousuf. The pair ran well between the wickets, picking up easy singles and ensuring the chase was under control. With no real threat from Zimbabwe's bowlers, Pakistan coasted to the target in just 5.3 overs, completing a comprehensive 10-wicket win.

This victory follows Pakistan's 2-1 triumph in the ODI series, marking an impressive all-format performance in Zimbabwe. The series win further strengthens Pakistan's dominance in the T20I format and sets the tone for the final match of the series, which is now a formality. Zimbabwe's collapse is another reminder of their ongoing struggles, having failed to build any substantial partnerships, and Pakistan's clinical performance makes them the undisputed leaders in this series.