Hasan Ali denies Zimbabwe series win

Pakistan pace bowler Hasan Ali bowled his career best figures of 4-18, to help his side to a 24-run victory in the third and final T20 international against Zimbabwe, at Harare Sports Club, on Sunday.

His bowling in the death constricted a Zimbabwe side, looking to claim their first T20I series win over the visitors.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first and made 165 for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs.

Luke Jongwe took all three wickets, conceding 37 runs in his four overs.

Mohamad Rizwan returned to haunt Zimbabwe with an unbeaten 91 while Babar Azam scored 52. They shared a 126-run partnership for the second wicket.

Zimbabwe started with a different opening pair, Tarisai Muskanda, with Wessly Madhevere. The pair put on 37 for the opening partnership, the latter with some exquisite shot-making. Musakanda fell for 10, trapped leg before by Hasan Ali.

Then an exciting partnership followed, between Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani, a mixture of great running between the wickets and great shot placement. They put on 65 for the second wicket before Marumani departed for 35 off 26 balls to Mohammad Hasnain. Shortly after Madhevere was gone for 59, skying one for keeper Safraz Ahmed to collect off Hasan Ali.

Brendan Taylor’s 20 was the only significant score after that, as tight bowling stopped Zimbabwe’s momentum. They were only able to muster 141 for the loss of seven wickets.

Pakistan took the series 2-1.