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Aftab Maken
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan overpowered Zimbabwe by 69 runs in the fourth match of the Pakistan T20 Tri-Series at Rawalpindi, tightening their grip on the tournament with a dominant all-round display led by strong batting and disciplined bowling.
Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 195 for 5 in their 20 overs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan set the tone with a fluent 63 off 41 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. He looked in complete control and stitched a crucial 103-run partnership for the second wicket with Babar Azam. Babar anchored the innings with a classy 74 off 52 balls, striking seven boundaries and two sixes as he guided Pakistan toward a competitive total.
In the middle order, Saim Ayub contributed 13, while Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz could manage only 3 and 4 runs respectively. The finishing touches came from Fakhar Zaman, who unleashed a blistering late onslaught. He hammered 27 off just 10 deliveries, slamming two sixes and a four in the final over against Brad Evans. Captain Salman Ali Agha finished unbeaten on 1 run. Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza picked up two wickets, with Evans and Ngarava claiming one each.
Chasing 196, Zimbabwe faltered early as Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. Naseem Shah made an early breakthrough, and Mohammad Wasim kept the pressure intact with disciplined bowling. Zimbabwe’s innings folded for 126 in 19 overs. Ryan Burl fought a lone battle, scoring 67 off 49 balls with eight fours and two sixes, but lacked support as wickets tumbled around him.
Usman Tariq produced the standout bowling performance for Pakistan, claiming 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs, showcasing sharp accuracy and variation. Mohammad Nawaz took 2 wickets, while Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf grabbed one wicket apiece. Zimbabwe suffered a dramatic collapse, losing three wickets on successive deliveries at 60 runs, and never recovered.
The victory strengthened Pakistan’s position in the tri-series, which also features Sri Lanka. Pakistan have shown improved consistency in T20 cricket over the past two seasons, reflected in ICC data listing them among the best middle-overs bowling units during 2024–25. The selection changes made for this match also paid off, with Usman Tariq’s exceptional spell proving decisive.
With the win in Rawalpindi, Pakistan moved closer to securing a place in the tournament final. The team will now look to carry forward their momentum as the series enters its decisive stage, with Sri Lanka posing the next major challenge.
