HARARE: Umar Akmal’s aggressive innings proved crucial in a low-scoring game as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 15 runs to win Tuesday’s Twenty20 International at Harare Sports Club and sweep the two-match series.
Umar, who was named man-of-the-match, scored 38 not out from 28 balls and added 24 runs with Imad Wasim in the last two overs of Pakistan’s innings to boost the tourists’ total to 136 for six, which proved beyond Zimbabwe despite Sean Williams’ fighting 40 not out.
Williams shared a 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Sikandar Raza — the only half-century stand in the series — but was always playing catch-up after the hosts had slumped to 24 for four at the start of their chase.
Zimbabwe finished on 121 for seven, as left-arm spinner Imad, adjudged man-of-the-series,once again proved the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with figures of one for 14 from four overs.
“Our bowlers were good again,” Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said at the post-match presentation. “Body language is very important and whatever the coach has asked, the boys have delivered.”
With the game being played on the same pitch as Sunday’s series opener, low and slow conditions made the going heavy for batsmen throughout.
Although Pakistan made a brighter start after they once again won the toss and opted to bat first, they lost wickets whenever their batsmen attempted to force the pace.
While Sohaib Maqsood anchored the innings with a run-a-ball 26, only Umar and Imad were able to take the attack to the hosts.