HARARE – In-form opener Mohammad Rizwan blazed an unbeaten half-century as Pakistan defeated hosts Zimbabwe by 11 runs in the first Twenty20 international at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Rizwan played a lone hand for his team with 82 not out as they posted 149-7 in their 20 overs.
The home side, who have not qualified for the T20 World Cup in India later this year, were always just behind the rate and could only manage 138-7 in reply.
After being sent in to bat, the Pakistan innings was dominated by Rizwan, whose unbeaten 82 came from 61 balls. No-one else scored more than 15, with off-spinner Wesley Madhevere the pick of the home bowling attack with 2-11 from two overs.
Craig Ervine top scored in the Zimbabwe reply with 34, but he was out to leg-spinner Usman Qadir (3-29), who also claimed the key wicket of home captain Sean Williams (9). Usman is the son of former Pakistan great Abdul Qadir and made his debut in the recent series in South Africa.
Zimbabwe had a perfect opportunity for an upset, but they conspired to be masters of their own downfall with dropped catches at vital moments.
Rizwan was dropped by Tinashe Kamunhukamwe on 13 off the bowling of Richard Ngarava. Rizwan would go on to make an unbeaten 82. He took Ngarava for 20 in the final over.
Other catches dropped were by Sean Williams, Regis Chakabva and Wellington Masakadza.
Zimbabwe were without their most experienced batsman Brendan Taylor, who pulled out of the game with a stomach bug.
The second match in the three-game series will be played at the same venue on Friday. The limited-overs fixtures will be followed by two Tests. – Reuters
