Zimbabwe cause an upset to level the T20I series 1-1

Zimbabwe beat Pakistan for the first time in T20I cricket when the visitors collapsed from 78-3 to 99 all out on Friday (April 23). That gave the Zimbabweans, who were defending a meager total of 118-9, a 19-run win to level 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 7wickets for 21 runs in its late slump to fall short. Seamer Jongwe finished with four for 18 runs.

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.

Babar, Pakistan skipper, expressed his disappointment at the turn of the events. "Our performance today has hurt a lot and it was very poor cricket from us," said Babar after the shocking defeat. 

""Given that we chased down 200 totals in South Africa our performance today with the bat was very disappointing. We can't blame the pitch or conditions for it. Our middle-order is struggling a lot and we are not able to finish matches", he added

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.