The third T20I match between Zimbabwe and Pakistan on December 5, 2024, at Bulawayo was a real roller-coaster. Since Pakistan had already won the series, the final match of the series turned out to be a nerve-shredding contest that kept fans at the edge of their seats. Pakistan managed to post a moderate total of 132/7, but Zimbabwe, after a rather shaky start, held their nerve and managed to win the match by two wickets in a dramatic finish.

Zimbabwe’s Fast Start To The Chase

Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a flying start as openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani took on the Pakistan bowlers with aggressive intent. The duo raced to 50 runs in just five overs, dominating the powerplay. Bennett, in particular, looked in excellent touch, punishing any wayward deliveries. Pakistan, who were defending a modest total, found themselves on the back foot as Zimbabwe set a rapid pace in the chase.

• Bennett and Marumani provided strong foundations to Zimbabwe.
• The couple made 50 in just five overs
• Bowlers failed to land well at one end Pakistan found.

Early On Muqeem Along With Afridi, Changed The Direction

Zimbabwe, however, despite its strong start, witnessed a fantastic comeback by Pakistan under the able guidance of Sufiyan Muqeem. The youngster leg-spinner was the backbone for Pakistan as his control and skill over the middle overs were troubling Zimbabwe considerably. Abbas Afridi, the pacer, contributed alongside Muqeem by picking some crucial wickets to take the score from a promising 73/1 to a much tighter 94/5. The fightback gave hope to the Pakistan camp.

• Muqeem’s magical spell of 4-1-19-1 created pressure.
• Afridi provided support at the other end.
• Zimbabwe’s middle order faltered under pressure.

Zimbabwe’s Middle-Order Collapse

After the blistering start, Zimbabwe’s middle order crumbled. At 73/1, with more than half the overs left, it seemed like an easy chase. However, Pakistan’s bowlers tightened the screws, and Zimbabwe’s middle order, known for being fragile, struggled to cope with the pressure. The loss of their key wickets, which one was of Sikandar Raza who had been one of the mainstay cricketers for them had Zimbabwe teetering. They were staring down the barrel with 39 runs still needed from the last four overs at 94/5.

• Zimbabwe’s middle-order collapse brought Pakistan back in the game.
• Key wickets like the one of Raza added to pressure.
• The chase became complex with Zimbabwe needing 39 runs from the last four overs.

The Game-Changing Heroics Of Tinotenda Maposa

When Zimbabwe’s chase seemed almost impossible, debutant Tinotenda Maposa rose to the occasion. The 21-year-old took center stage in the final over, with Zimbabwe needing 12 runs to win. A squirted boundary off the first ball gave them hope, and Maposa followed that up with a stunning six over square leg, leaving Zimbabwe just two runs short. Although Tashinga Musekiwa misjudged his shot soon afterwards, the match was again level, and Maposa’s composure came to the fore as he guided Zimbabwe home.

• Maposa’s composure in the final overs was crucial.
• A vital six over square leg brought Zimbabwe back to victory.
• Maposa’s debut performance helped Zimbabwe to a win.

Pakistan’s Struggles With The Bat

Pakistan could not get going with the bat. The top order of Zimbabwe went into a tizzy, as their bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl, continued to create constant pressure on the batsmen. Blessing hit early in the innings, getting out Omair Yousuf for a duck, and was threatening all throughout. The batting of Pakistan was dented even further as wickets kept falling in quick succession. In this, however, they failed with 132/7 despite efforts of a few notable contributions; like a 32 by Salman Agha and cameos of Arafat Minhas and Abbas Afridi.
Critical points:

• Pakistani had failed to build any worthwhile partnerships across the innings
• Muzarabani and Burl bowled exceedingly well
• The Pakistani team just managed 132 because of last ball cameos

Zimbabwe’s Bowlers Stay Tight Throughout

Bowler of Zimbabwe Not Even Letting Loose Through Over. But for Blessing Muzarabani with the ball, who took 2/25, and Ryan Burl through his spin, bringing in vital breakthroughs, Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza also played significant roles in drying up runs. It was not enough to create a subpar total for the Pakistanis to leave the chasing side in control for most parts of the match. Despite a late surge from the tail end of Pakistan, bowlers held their nerve to give Zimbabwe a fighting chance in the chase.

• Zimbabwean bowlers allowed Pakistan to a very low score.]=
• Muzarabani, and Burl were the stars.
• Bowlers kept on putting pressure on Pakistan throughout the innings

Conclusion

In a match that went either way, Zimbabwe was the team that emerged as deserving winners by two wickets to secure an exciting chase which will be remembered for drama and tension. Though key wickets were lost in the middle overs, the young debutant from Zimbabwe, Tinotenda Maposa, played a match-winning role and helped Zimbabwe reach the target off the last ball. While Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Muqeem, fought hard to defend the total, the game was ultimately decided by a few key moments of brilliance from Zimbabwe’s batting side.

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