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Pakistan locked horns with Zimbabwe in the third T20I after the series was perfectly poised at 1-1. With everything to play for in the series deciding 3rd T20I match, a lot of attention was bagged when Pakistan’s final score was changed from 163/3 to 165/3 during the mid-innings break.
As a result, Zimbabwe had to chase a new target of 166 instead of 164. To see Pakistan getting awarded 2 additional runs, the fans were taken by surprise. However, the reason behind the decision was revealed soon after, eventually putting an end to everyone's curiosity.
The overall drama was related to the a wrong decision made by the umpires during the Pakistan innings in the game. In the 17th over, Mohammad Rizwan struck a six which was considered as a four by the umpire. However, the fault was spotted later on and it was rectified by increasing Pakistan’s overall score of 163/3 to 165/3. Even Rizwan’s individual score was increased to 91 runs (unbeaten).
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe to seal T20I series 2-1
Apart from wicketkeeper-batsman Rizwan, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam scored a useful 52 off 46 balls to see the Green Brigade post a competitive total on the board. Talking about the home side, Luke Jongwe who starred in the last game, continued to impress with the ball as he took a 3-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Wellington Masakadza maintained an economical spell giving away only 6 runs per over.
In return, Wesley Madhevere gave a solid start to Zimbabwe but did not find constant support from the other end as the hosts kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Although Zimbabwe secured a good partnership between Madhavere and Tadiwanashe Marumani (35 off 26 balls) for the 2nd wicket, their rate of scoring was significantly low.
The slow partnership resulted in creating enormous pressure towards the end of the innings. After the departure of both the set batsmen, Zimbabwe needed 57 runs off 28 balls to seal the series in their favour but flurry of wickets towards the end ensured Pakistan went on to win the game by 24 runs. Hasan Ali's was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with figures of 4/18 in his four overs.