Babar, Haider Fifties Secure T20I Series Victory over Zimbabwe
Fifties for Haider Ali and Babar Azam helped Pakistan seal T20I series victory over Zimbabwe, following a comfortable eight-wicket win in the 2nd T20I in Rawalpindi.
Haris Rauf put Zimbabwe under pressure from the start, removing the dangerous Brendan Taylor and Chamu Chibhabha in the first four overs, before Faheem Ashraf bowled Sean Williams.
At 38/3 in the fifth over, Zimbabwe were in desperate need of a partnership but Usman Qadir bowled Sikandar Raza with a beautiful googly before trapping the in-form Wesley Madhevere for 24 in the same over.
The impressive Qadir also snaffled Elton Chigumbura for 18 to finish with figures of 3/23 in four overs, as Zimbabwe struggled to 90-6.
Ryan Burl tried his best to propel the visitors to a competitive total with 32* but 134/7 was going to be a difficult score to defend for the Chevrons.
Pakistan did lose Fakhar Zaman early doors as Blessing Muzarabani continued his rich vein of wicket-taking form, but a formidable partnership by Haider Ali and Babar Azam ensured the hosts cantered towards victory.
Muzarabani (2/33) took the wicket of Babar as Chigumbura took a fine catch on the ropes at fine leg, but Haider (66*) saw his side home alongside Khushdil Shah with nearly five overs to spare.
The win means Pakistan go 2-0 up in the series with the final T20I taking place in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, 10 November.
Source: ICC