Perth: It was deja vu for Pakistan as the men in green suffered their second successive last-ball defeat in the T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe caused one of the biggest upsets by restricting Pakistan to 129/8 in 20 overs after managing to score a modest 130/8 in the Super 12 Group 2 fixture on Thursday evening.
The result leaves Pakistan in a must-win situation in their remaining three games if they are to harbour hopes of making the semifinals.
Needing 2 runs to win off the final ball, a diving Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out at the striker’s end going for a second run as wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva dislodged the bails after a fumble.
Four days ago, Pakistan lost to India from a winning position in a dramatic game at the gigantic MCG in front of 90,000-plus fans.
The Pakistan batsmen cracked under pressure against a supremely disciplined bowling and fielding effort from the Zimbabweans.
Shan Masood was the only batter to show some fight as off-spinner Sikandar Raza bagged 3 wickets and pacer Brad Evans captured 2.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe 130/8 in 20 overs (Sean Williams 31; Md Wasim 4/24, Shadab Khan 3/23). Pakistan 129/8 in 20 overs (Shan Masood 44; Sikandar Raza 3/25, Brad Evans 2/25).
Result: Zimbabwe won by 1 run.
