Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 57 runs in the first T20I, after posting a total of 165/4.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, with a new-look opening pair of Omair Yousuf and Saim Ayub. The partnership didn’t last long as Omair was dismissed cheaply by Tendai Ngarava. Saim Ayub, the promising young opener, managed to score 24 runs before being sent back.

However, Usman Khan (39) and Tayyab Tahir (39) steadied the innings, both playing aggressive knocks.

Their contributions helped Pakistan reach a competitive total of 165/4 by the end of their 20 overs.

Chasing 166, Zimbabwe’s lead scorer was Sikandar Raza with 39. The opener, Tadiwanashe Matumani, also contributed a quickfire 33 off 20 balls, keeping Zimbabwe in the hunt.

However, the middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, with no other batsman able to reach double figures.

The spin duo of Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem were the stars with the ball, wreaking havoc in the Zimbabwean batting lineup.

Zimbabwe’s batting crumbled, and they were bowled out for just 108.

Pakistan won the match comfortably by 57 runs.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan: 165/4 (Tayyab Tahir 39; Sufiyan Muqeem 3/20)

Zimbabwe: 108 (Sikandar Raza 39; Sikandar Raza 1/14)

Pakistan won by 57 runs

Player of the match: Tayyab Tahir 39