HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe beat Pakistan for the first time in a Twenty20 when the visitor collapsed from 78-3 to 99 all out on Friday.
That gave the Zimbabweans, who were defending a meager total of 118-9, a 19-run win to tie the series 1-1 and a chance in the series-decider on Sunday.
It was Zimbabwe’s first win in a T20 in two years, and first at home since 2016.
Captain Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 41 but he sliced a slower ball from Luke Jongwe to backward point in the 16th over and Pakistan lost 7-21 in its late slump to fall short.
Seamer Jongwe finished with 4-18.
Babar didn’t have much help, with Mohammad Rizwan making 13, Danish Aziz 22, and no one else reaching double figures.
Zimbabwe also struggled with the bat at Harare Sports Club. Opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe provided the best effort with his 34 after recovering from having his helmet broken by a bouncer from debutant Pakistan fast bowler Arshad Iqbal.
The game was marked by the striking sight of ground staff preparing the pitch in full-body hazmat suits, including hoods and masks, as a precaution against the coronavirus.
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