Rizwan the lone-runner in Pakistan’s slim win against Zimbabwe

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 21, 2021

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. Zimbabwe, without their marquee bastman Brendan Taylor who pulled out of the fixture due to stomach bug, fell behind the run rate before being restricted to 138-7.

Pakistani innings was build around Rizwan, who’s 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).

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.