Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali star as Pakistan clinch T20I series 2-1

Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Ali made their presence felt, as Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 24 runs in the final T20I of the three-match series. Rizwan smashed 91 runs off 60 deliveries in an innings comprising of five boundaries and three sixes, to help the Asian side post a total of 165 runs for the loss of three wickets. The opener enjoyed support from skipper Babar Azam who scored 52 runs. Hasan Ali accounted for a four-wicket haul when tasked with the responsibility of defending the total, helping Pakistan restrict Zimbabwe to only 141/7. Opener Wesley Madhevere scored a fighting half-century, but could not help his side cross the finishing line due to lack of support from other batsmen. This triumph helped Pakistan clinch the T20I series by a 2-1 margin.

The Asian side got off to a steady start, after winning the toss and opting to bat. Sharjeel Khan was dismissed off the final delivery of the fifth over after 35 runs were added for the opening wicket. Babar joined Rizwan at the crease, with the duo adopting a cautious approach in the initial 10 overs. However, the latter picked up the pace from this stage, completing his fifty in 39 deliveries. The Pakistan skipper provided support at the other end, racking up the runs at a steady pace.

Rizwan finished the innings unbeaten on 91 runs, helping Pakistan post a competitive total of 165.

Wesley Madhevere Helps Zimbabwe Battle It Out

The Zimbabwe chase adopted a similar approach to Pakistan’s innings, with Wesley Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani keeping the innings afloat, following the dismissal of Tarisai Musakanda.

Madhevere completed his half-century with a boundary off Faheem Ashraf through covers. However, the dismissal of Marumani in the 14th over of the match bowled by Mohammad Hasnain spelt doom for Zimbabwe, who looked confident following a steady 65-run partnership.

Hasan made his presence felt in the final five overs where 58 runs were needed, striking twice with the dismissals of Madhevere and Regis Chakabva. The pacer further accounted for the dismissal of Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams who was his fourth victim, further pushing their opponents into a state from where recovery was extremely tough.