BULAWAYO: Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 57 runs in the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series on Sunday thanks to an unbeaten 39-run performance from Tayyab Tahir and a combined bowling effort.

Muhammad Irfan Khan (27*) and Tayyab Tahir contributed an outstanding 65-run fifth-wicket partnership off 34 balls, which helped Pakistan reach 165-4.

After reaching 60 for two in their PowerPlay, which was eight runs more than Pakistan, Zimbabwe lost pace and was dismissed for 108 in 15.3 overs.

Abrar Ahmed finished with three for 28 after taking two wickets in his second over, while Sufyan Moqim enthralled the middle order with his left-arm wrist spin bowling, finishing with figures of 4-0-20-3. Haris Rauf scored 17 runs while taking two wickets.

Pakistan got a strong start, reaching 52 for 1 at the end of the powerplay overs. After that, they were stifled for runs as the following 11 overs produced 69 runs at a cost of three wickets.

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Nevertheless, Irfan and Tayyab contributed 44 runs from the final three overs to give the total some steadiness. In his 25-ball 39 not out, Tayyab hit four fours and a six, and Irfan hit three fours in his 15-ball 27.

Usman Khan with a 30-ball 39 with two fours and two sixes and Saim Ayub (24) were the other notable run scorers, while Omair Bin Yousuf scored 16 and captain Salman Ali Agha scored a 19-ball 13.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza was the most impressive bowler, taking one for 14 from his four overs, while fast bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani collectively conceded 82 runs from their eight overs.

Pakistan’s starting lineup includes: Omair Bin Yousuf, Salman Agha (c), Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan (wk), and Saim Ayub.

Tawandanashe Marumani (wk), Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Brain Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, and Clive Madande make up Zimbabwe’s starting lineup.