Dominant Pakistan start at pole position against Zimbabwe

Overview:

Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, second T20I
Harare Sports Club
Friday, 23 April, 09:00 AM GMT / 11:00 AM LOCAL

Zimbabwe found themselves in a commanding position during different phases of the game in the first match of the three-match series. Despite a controlled bowling performance, fielders and batters failed to back them and Pakistan outclassed them in the bowling department.

The hosts will fancy a chance at restoring parity in the second game as Pakistan’s middle order is struggling to fire, resulting in the team being heavily dependent on the openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to do the majority of the damage.

Remember the last time:

Rizwan’s single-handed efforts of unbeaten 82 from 61 balls to help Pakistan reach a competitive total of 149/7 gave the visitors a fighting chance to make a comeback with the ball.

Zimbabwe’s Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (29), Craig Ervine (34), and Luke Jongwe (30*) resurrected the hopes of a victory before Usman Qadir foiled their plans as he triggered a middle-order implosion. He returned 3/29 while Mohammad Hasnain (2/27) also took important wickets. Pakistan came out on the top with an 11-run win to go 1-0 up in the series.

What they said:

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan Opener):“There is always a home conditions advantage but we have world-class bowlers who have adjusted really well to the changed conditions from South Africa. The batters too have an idea of the pitch performs and hopefully we will post a huge target in the next match.”

Sean Williams (Zimbabwe Captain):“It is inexcusable the number of catches we dropped which ultimately cost us the game. We need to improve our fielding. We will go back to the drawing board and improve better in the next game.”