BULAWAYO — Pakistan handed Zimbabwe a 10-wicket defeat in the second T20 international (T20I) at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem stole the spotlight, taking five wickets for just three runs in 2.4 overs, as the hosts crumbled to their lowest-ever T20I score of 57.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Zimbabwe openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani made a promising start, scoring 37 runs in the first four overs.
However, the tide turned quickly when both were dismissed – Marumani for 16 and Bennett for 21.
Sikandar Raza and Dion Myers managed only three runs each, leaving Zimbabwe at a precarious 44 for four by the eighth over.
Maqeem dismantled the line-up, taking two wickets in each of his first two overs.
Clive Madande provided the only flicker of resistance, scoring nine runs before becoming Muqeem’s fifth victim, skying a catch to end the innings in just 12.4 overs.
Zimbabwe’s total of 57 runs was their lowest in T20I history, surpassing the previous low of 82 against Sri Lanka last season.
Pakistan made short work of the modest target, as Omair Yousuf finished unbeaten on 22, while Saim Ayub smashed 36 off just 18 balls.
The chase was completed in 5.3 overs, sealing a dominant victory as the entire match lasted less than 18 overs.
With this win, Pakistan have clinched the series, reducing the final match of the three-game contest, scheduled for Thursday at the same venue, to a dead rubber. Kukurigo
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