Pakistan delivered a dominant performance against Zimbabwe in the fourth match of the T20I tri-series on November 23, 2025, securing a 69-run victory that propelled them into the final. With strong batting from Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan, followed by a hat-trick from Usman Tariq, the team maintained their unbeaten streak at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Strong Start Sets the Tone for Pakistan
Pakistan chose to bat first and built a solid foundation right from the opening overs. Sahibzada Farhan picked up where he left off in previous games, smashing boundaries and sixes to keep the scoreboard moving. He partnered well with Babar Azam, who shook off early struggles in the series to find his rhythm.
The powerplay saw Pakistan race ahead, with Farhan hitting two sixes in one over. Babar joined the attack later, striking consecutive boundaries against Sikandar Raza. This partnership pushed Pakistan to a commanding position by the 15th over.
Farhan reached his fifty quickly, his second in as many days, while Babar also crossed the milestone after low scores in earlier matches. Their efforts laid the groundwork for a big total, even as Zimbabwe fought back with key wickets.
Late Fireworks Boost Pakistan’s Total
As the innings progressed, Pakistan aimed for a massive score. Babar accelerated with a burst of boundaries, including three fours and a six in quick succession. Though Raza dismissed him for 74, the damage was done.
Fakhar Zaman provided the finishing touch, blasting 27 runs off just 10 balls. His explosive hitting in the final over added 25 runs, helping Pakistan reach 195 for 5. This total put immense pressure on Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers tried to contain the flow, with Raza claiming two wickets. However, Pakistan’s aggressive approach ensured they posted a challenging target on a pitch that favored batters early on.
Here is a quick look at Pakistan’s top performers in batting:
- Sahibzada Farhan: 63 runs off 41 balls, including multiple sixes.
- Babar Azam: 74 runs off 52 balls, with powerful strokes in the middle overs.
- Fakhar Zaman: 27 runs off 10 balls, dominating the death overs.
Bowling Masterclass Seals the Win
Pakistan’s bowlers wasted no time in asserting control. Naseem Shah struck early, removing a key opener in the first over. Mohammad Wasim Jr followed up by dismissing Brian Bennett, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at the end of the powerplay.
Sikandar Raza offered some resistance with 23 runs, but Mohammad Nawaz ended his stay. The middle order collapsed dramatically, thanks to Usman Tariq’s heroics. His hat-trick dismantled Zimbabwe’s lower order, turning the game decisively in Pakistan’s favor.
Tariq finished with figures of 4 for 18, including wickets of Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza in successive balls. This spell reduced Zimbabwe from 59 for 3 to 82 for 9.
Zimbabwe’s Fightback Falls Short
Zimbabwe showed glimpses of fight, mainly through Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 67. He formed a 44-run last-wicket stand, delaying the inevitable with several boundaries. Burl’s half-century accounted for over half of his team’s runs, highlighting their batting struggles.
Despite Burl’s efforts, Zimbabwe could only manage 126 all out. The loss marked their continued challenges in the series, having bounced back from an early defeat but unable to match Pakistan’s depth.
This result mirrors trends in recent T20 cricket, where strong bowling attacks often decide matches. Pakistan’s spin options, combined with pace, proved too much for Zimbabwe on this day.
Path to the Final and What Lies Ahead
With this win, Pakistan secured their spot in the tri-series final, set for later in the week. They remain unbeaten, having defeated Zimbabwe twice and Sri Lanka once. The final opponent will be determined by upcoming matches.
This tri-series serves as crucial preparation for upcoming international events, including the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s form boosts confidence, especially with Babar’s return to scoring ways and emerging talents like Tariq shining.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Zimbabwe | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Key Takeaways for Fans
Pakistan’s victory underscores their growing dominance in T20 cricket. Fans can look forward to the final, where the team aims to lift the trophy at home.
What did you think of Usman Tariq’s hat-trick or Babar Azam’s innings? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with fellow cricket enthusiasts.
