Bulawayo, 3 December 2024: Zimbabwe lost 10 wickets for 20 runs in 43 balls as Pakistan raced to 10 wickets victory in the second T20I to take an assailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series here on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner, introduced in the ninth over, recorded incredible figures of 2.4-0-3-5 and 23-year-old Mohammad Abbas Afridi registered figures of 2-1-2-2 as Zimbabwe, after being 37 for no loss in 4.2 overs, was bundled out for 57 in 12.4 overs.
Sufyan, who played for Peshawar Zalmi in 2023 HBL Pakistan Super League but missed the 2024 event due to injury, picked all his five wickets in a space of 13 balls. His figures were the best to date for Pakistan in T20Is. He also became the third Pakistan bowler after Umar Gul and Imad Wasim to take five wickets in a T20I.
In turn, Pakistan achieved the target without sweating in 33 balls for the loss of no wicket. Pakistan’s victory with 87 balls to space was the largest margin of victory (by balls remaining) in a match involving two Test playing nations (Australia beat Bangladesh in Dubai, 2021).
Saim Ayub struck six fours and a six in an 18-ball 36 not out, while Omair Bin Yousef scored a 15-ball 22 not out with two fours and a six.
For Zimbabwe, it was their lowest total in 157 T20Is and fourth lowest by a Test playing country.
The third T20I will be played on Thursday.
Scores in brief
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets, take 2-0 lead in 3-match series
Zimbabwe 57 all-out, 12.4 overs (Sufyan Moqim 2.4-0-3-5, Abbas Afridi 2-1-2-2)
Pakistan 61-0, 5.3 overs (Saim Ayub 36 not out, Omair Bin Yousuf 22 not out)
