Pakistan win T20I series against Zimbabwe as Haider, Babar slam quick fifties

RAWALPINDI (92 News) - Pakistan registered another comfortable eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second T20I in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

The hosts now have an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with the dead-rubber game to be played on Tuesday.

The Chevrons, being asked to bat first, were stricted to 134-7, thanks to three-wicket hauls each by pacer Haris Rauf and newcomer Usman Qadir.

Qadir was the pick of the bowlers for the Babar Azam’s side as he returned with figures of 3-23 whereas Rauf, on the other hand, took 3-31 in his four overs.

In reply, Pakistan lost the wicket of opener Fakhar Zaman early but Babar and Haider Ali took the game away with their half-centuries and put a 100-run partnership for the second wicket.

Babar made 51, his second consecutive half-century, from only 28 balls with eight fours and a six, while 20-year-old Haider remained not out on 66 and scored off 43 balls with six fours and three sixes.

Fast-bowler Blessing Muzarabani took the two wickets for Zimbabwe.

Youngster Haider Ali has been named the player of the match for his batting

Earlier, accurate bowling by pacer Haris Rauf and leg-spinner Usman Qadir restricted Zimbabwe to a mediocre total of 134 for seven after Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and put Zimbabwe to bat.

Harris and Usman captured three wickets each for 31 and 23 runs, respectively

The main scorers for Zimbabwe were Ryan Burl (32) and Wesley Madhevere (24) as no other batsman could make any significant contribution.