Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to take T20I series

A stellar performance from left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who claimed a five-wicket haul, followed by an explosive opening partnership, propelled Pakistan to a resounding 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest target of 58 runs, Pakistan's openers Saim Ayub and Omair Bin Yousuf made light work of the chase, reaching the target within the batting powerplay.

Ayub was the standout performer, smashing a quick-fire 36 off 18 balls, including six fours and a six. Yousuf supported him well, contributing an unbeaten 22 from 15 balls, with two fours and a six.

Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired spectacularly as their batting crumbled under pressure.

The hosts managed to put up only 57 runs in 13 overs. The opening partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Biran Bennett had given Zimbabwe a solid start, reaching 37 before both openers were dismissed in quick succession.

Marumani was out for 16, and Bennett followed shortly after for 21, leaving Zimbabwe at 37/2.

The middle order collapsed rapidly, thanks to a superb bowling performance, particularly from Pakistan's spinners.

Sufiyan Muqeem was the star of the show, finishing with remarkable figures of 5/3 in 2.4 overs, the best bowling performance by a Pakistan bowler in T20Is after Umar Gul’s 5/6. Abbas Afridi claimed two wickets, while Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha, and Abrar Ahmed each picked up one wicket.

Zimbabwe could not recover, losing their remaining wickets to be bowled out for just 57, with no batter other than the openers reaching double figures. Pakistan's bowlers dominated throughout, ensuring a comprehensive victory and securing a 2-0 series lead.

With the win, Pakistan sealed an unassailable lead in the series, and the third and final T20I will be played on December 5 at the same venue.