Pakistan Triumphs Over Resolute Zimbabwe in T20I Tri-Series Opener
Pakistan managed to secure a narrow five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of a T20 tri-series, despite an initial collapse of their top order on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe, which has earned a spot in the next year’s T20 World Cup, showcased impressive bowling skills, but Pakistan successfully chased down the target, reaching 151 for five in the final over. Fakhar Zaman was the standout performer for Pakistan, contributing 44 runs from 32 balls as he made his return to the format.
Zimbabwe initially appeared strong, ending with 147 for eight, but were hindered by the spin trio of Mohammad Nawaz (2-22), Abrar Ahmed (1-28), and Saim Ayub (1-31), who effectively restricted them in the second half of the innings.
“It was a close game,” commented Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha. “Our spinners have been exceptional over the last 4-5 months, they’re the reason we got back into the game.”
Brad Evans (2-26) made early inroads for Zimbabwe, claiming two critical wickets in one over, while Tinotenda Maposa’s precise yorker sent Agha back to the pavilion, resulting in Pakistan’s precarious position at 30 for three during the PowerPlay.
Evans dismantled Sahibzada Farhan’s stumps with a skidding delivery and trapped Babar Azam lbw for a duck, which left Pakistan reeling with three wickets lost for just three runs.
Graeme Cremer, returning to the squad after missing the T20I series against Afghanistan, dismissed Ayub (22) as Pakistan stumbled further to 54 for four by the 10th over.
However, Fakhar Zaman, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan (unbeaten 37), steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership. Richard Ngarava (1-30) got Zaman caught behind, attempting a ramp shot without success.
Zimbabwe had a chance to shift the momentum when Brian Bennett dropped Nawaz at deep mid-wicket, ultimately allowing Nawaz to hit consecutive boundaries in the final over off Maposa, securing Pakistan’s victory.
Bennett (49), who stood out during Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualification with multiple half-centuries and a century, along with Tadiwanashe Marumani (30), provided a strong start with a 59-run PowerPlay, showing aggressive strokes against both pace and Ayub’s off-spin.
Mohammad Nawaz’s entrance disrupted Zimbabwe’s flow, as Marumani was caught on a full toss in the eighth over. Brendan Taylor, scoring a run-a-ball 14, was run-out by a sharp throw from Babar while attempting a second run, and Bennett’s return catch to Ayub marked a turning point.
Despite a comfortable position at 88 for one in 10 overs, Zimbabwe struggled for momentum, losing wickets consistently to spinners. Only captain Sikandar Raza displayed some late-stage aggression, managing an unbeaten 34 from 24 balls, including a six off Shaheen Shah Afridi (1-34) in the last over.
“There are more positives than negatives,” acknowledged Raza. “We’re growing as a team with the right mindset, but we need to learn how to finish games. Crossing the line has been a challenge, and it’s something we aim to address.”
Sri Lanka, the third team in the series, will face Zimbabwe in the next match scheduled for Thursday.
Published on Nov 18, 2025.
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