Pakistan's over-reliance on their opening batting pair came back to haunt them as Zimbabwe pipped them in a low-scoring thriller by one run to clinch their first Super-12 win of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Thursday at the Perth Stadium.
Following Zimbabwe President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa's scathing attack on Pakistan in his cryptic congratulatory tweet for his country's victory in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded with a subtle dig.
The President took to Twitter to share the message and wrote, "What a win for Zimbabwe! Congratulations to the Chevrons. Next time, send the real Mr Bean...#PakvsZim
Speaking after the match in a post-match conference, the 'Player of the Match' was emotional and could not find words to express his excitement and happiness. He said that he was really proud of his teammates.
He heaped praises on the team's bowlers who pulled back things to ensure a victory for Zimbabwe and also acknowledged the key contribution from star all-rounder Sikandar Raza in the victory.
The opener rued the batting collapse and said that the Shadab Khan and Shan Masood partnership was important for them. After that partnership, wickets fell regularly creating pressure on the team.
Pakistan made a mess of a paltry chase as they suffered a batting collapse and left their bowlers to chase and win the match for them. All-rounder Sikandar Raza took three wickets in a short span to dismantle the chase.
Pakistan's decision to play an extra pacer in Mohammad Wasim Jr worked wonders for the team as the youngster ended with his best T20I bowling figures (4/24) to restrict Zimbabwe to a below-par total. Sean Williams and Brad Evans helped the team cross the 100-run mark.
Pakistan lost its first game against India in a thriller after Virat Kohli snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, playing a once-in-a-lifetime knock. They will be looking to open their account in the points table.