Malik, Rizwan, Wasim sink Zimbabwe
Quickfire cameos from former captain Shoaib Malik and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan – and a telling four-wicket haul from spinner Imad Wasim – carried Pakistan to a key 13-run victory over Zimbabwe in Sunday's first Twenty20 International at the Harare Sports Club.
Malik and Rizwan scored 35 and 33 respectively in a final total of 136 for eight, which had initially faltered to 29 for three. Seamer Chamu Chibhabha was the pick of the hosts' bowlers, completing fine figures of three for 18 in three overs.
The talented all-rounder couldn't follow his solid effort with the ball with the bat, falling for a duck in the first over of the pursuit. Zimbabwe's chase was, admittedly, poor. Captain Elton Chigumbura's standalone 31 was the lone highlight.
Wasim's Man of the Match haul of four for 11 was aided by three run-outs, as the home side were restricted to 123 for nine.
The second and final T20I will get underway at the same venue on Tuesday.
Latest
-
NewsChris Woakes confident England on course for T20 World Cup success
The Warwickshire all-rounder expects to be cheering on from home when his team-mates try to complete a unique double in India next year.
-
NewsJonny Bairstow primed for Test return in Sri Lanka
Jofra Archer is being considered for a rest for the rearranged two-match series.
-
NewsJordan: Competition for places driving England performance
Chris Jordan admits places in the team are being hotly contested right now but the competition is driving their performance levels.
-
NewsNew ICC chair Greg Barclay questions future of Test championship
The ICC is considering the viability of the Test championship going forward.
-
NewsFamiliar faces help Dawid Malan make an impressive return home
Dawid Malan felt at home in Paarl despite the fact he was playing for England against South Africa.
-
NewsDawid Malan guides England to series-clinching T20 win against South Africa
Malan put England in control by plundering 16 off four Lungi Ngidi deliveries.
-
NewsAdil Rashid dazzles as England limit South Africa
The tourists need 147 to win a second consecutive T20.
-
NewsEngland fan still on Sri Lanka adventure eight months after tour was axed
The 37-year-old is hoping England will return in January so he can finally see the cricket he travelled out for.
-
NewsSam Curran relishing responsibility in England T20 side
The Surrey all-rounder opened the bowling before partnering Jonny Bairstow across the winning line.
-
NewsOn This Day 2012: Ashley Giles takes over as England limited-overs head coach
Team director and Test boss Andy Flower was keen to reduce his own workload and Giles seized the opportunity.