AI Simulation, PAK vs ZIM | Pakistan dominate Zimbabwe in series opener as Shaheen Afridi shines with three wickets

‌Pitch and Weather

Rawalpindi offered a lively surface with noticeable seam movement for the pacers in the early overs, favouring Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack. The track settled into a true batting wicket after the powerplay, although dew in the latter stages was expected to ease the chase for the batting side. Temperatures hovered around 12-18°C with clear skies and a light breeze, helping bowlers maintain control early and offering pacers swing with the new ball.

Toss

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first, taking advantage of the green top and early seam movement.

Lineups

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava

Match Report

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe struggled to negotiate Pakistan’s new-ball attack. Shaheen Afridi removed both openers inside the first three overs, with Naseem Shah doubling the pressure by claiming Brendan Taylor shortly thereafter. Captain Sikandar Raza tried to steady the innings with a quick 22, supported briefly by Ryan Burl’s 18, but consistent breakthroughs and disciplined bowling restricted Zimbabwe to a modest total of 128/8 in their 20 overs. Extras contributed six runs, reflecting the disciplined line and length executed by Pakistan’s pacers.

Chasing 129, Pakistan began briskly with Sahibzada Farhan hitting boundaries and Fakhar Zaman rotating the strike efficiently. After a steady start, Babar Azam anchored the chase, scoring 51 from 38 balls, while Salman Agha contributed a quick 22, ensuring that the required rate never escalated dangerously. Dew assisted the batters in the later overs, allowing Pakistan to reach 129/3 in just 16.4 overs, wrapping up the game comfortably with 20 balls to spare.

Zimbabwe’s bowling, led by Richard Ngarava and Sikandar Raza, initially showed promise but was undone by the timely partnerships and precise shot selection from the Pakistan top order. Even brief spells of spin from the lower-order bowlers could not stem the flow of runs as the chase progressed.

Player of the Match

Shaheen Afridi was named Player of the Match for his early strike of 3/18 in 4 overs, breaking Zimbabwe’s top order and setting the tone for Pakistan’s comfortable victory. His combination of pace, bounce, and swing proved decisive in the series opener.

Scorecard