Umar Akmal’s aggressive innings proved crucial in a low-scoring game as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 15 runs to win Tuesday’s Twenty20 international at Harare 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.“Our bowlers were good again,” Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said. “Body language is very important and whatever the coach has asked, the boys have delivered.”
With the game being played on the same pitch as Sunday’s series opener, low and slow conditions made the going heavy for batsmen throughout.