HARARE: Umar Akmal’s aggressive innings and a brilliant performance by the bowlers were key as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 15 runs to win Tuesday’s Twenty20 international at Harare Sports Club and sweep the two-match series.
Akmal 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’s fighting 40 not out.
Williams shared a 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Sikandar Raza Butt — 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 Wasim once again proved the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with figures of 1 for 14 from four overs.