Pakistan vs Zimbabwe: Babar Azam's men cruise to six-wicket win

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan on Saturday cruised to an easy six-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the first T20I held in the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan chased down the 157-run target with seven balls to spare courtesy the half-century by Captain Babar Azam and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez’s 36-run cameo.

From the visiting team, Blessing Muzarabani was the lead wicket taker with the fast bowler picking up two wickets. Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava picked one wicket each.

Zimbabwe opted to bat first after winning the toss and was propelled to 156 due to Wesley Madhevere’s 48-ball 70. The visiting team also benefited from wicketkeeper Brendon Taylor’s 20, Sean Williams' 25 and Elton Chigumbura’s 21 runs at the back end of the innings.

Among Pakistan's pacers, Wahab Riaz and Haris Rauf picked two wickets each, with fast-bowler Mohammad Hasnain and debutant Usman Qadir picking one wicket each.

Read more: Babar Azam can regain top spot during T20I series against Zimbabwe

Pakistan started the chase strongly but lost opener Fakhar Zaman and middle-order batsman Haider Ali in the first eight overs. However, skipper Babar Azam and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez made sure that the team was in commanding position before getting out in the 16th and 18th over, respectively.

By the time Hafeez got out in the 18th over Pakistan was 156 for 4 and only required one run to win which was an easy task for wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

Babar Azam, who was also declared man of the match for his 82 runs, said that he is satisfied with his performance. He added that the Pakistan team is trying to ensure that young players are given a chance so the team has many options when it goes to the World Cup.