By Alam Zeb Safi
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan began their T20I Tri-Series campaign in Rawalpindi with a determined and well-paced five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
Although Pakistan entered the match as clear favourites, Zimbabwe’s spirited performance and early breakthroughs made the contest far more competitive than expected. Ultimately, Pakistan’s depth in batting and composure under pressure allowed them to chase down the 148-run target with four balls remaining.
Zimbabwe were sent into bat on a surface that offered good bounce and they made a strong start. Brian Bennett looked positive from the outset, timing the ball cleanly and keeping the scoreboard moving. His 49 off 36 balls formed the backbone of Zimbabwe’s innings. He struck eight boundaries and appeared set for a much bigger score before falling to Saim Ayub, who took a smart return catch. At the other end, Tadiwanashe Marumani added valuable support with a lively 30 off 22 deliveries. The pair took Zimbabwe to 72 for no loss, giving their side a solid platform.
However, once Marumani fell in the eighth over, Zimbabwe lost momentum. Brendan Taylor attempted to rebuild but was run out for 14 after a sharp effort in the field by Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Usman Khan. Ryan Burl managed only eight before falling to Mohammad Nawaz, who bowled with excellent control throughout his spell. Bennett departed soon after, and the promising start suddenly turned into a mid-innings stumble. From 91 for 1, Zimbabwe slipped to 106 for 4 and then 112 for 5 as Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their lines.
Captain Sikandar Raza played a crucial innings to steady the ship. His unbeaten 34 off 24 balls included three boundaries and one six and he ensured Zimbabwe reach a competitive total in the end. Still, Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Nawaz with 2 for 22, Abrar Ahmed with 1 for 28, and Salman Mirza with 1 for 21, kept the visitors from accelerating towards a larger score. Shaheen Afridi, though slightly expensive, picked up a wicket and maintained pressure with his pace.
Chasing 148, Pakistan endured a shaky start. Sahibzada Farhan made 16 before being bowled by Brad Evans and the crowd was stunned soon after when Babar Azam fell for a three-ball duck, trapped lbw by Evans. Captain Agha Salman’s dismissal for just one run deepened Pakistan’s early troubles, leaving them reeling at 30 for 3 inside the first six overs. Zimbabwe’s energy rose as they sensed a major upset.
The responsibility then shifted to Fakhar Zaman, who responded with a counterattacking innings that changed the momentum of the match. Fakhar played with controlled aggression, rotating the strike regularly while punishing loose deliveries. His 44 off 32 balls, including two fours and two sixes, steadied the innings at a critical stage. His partnership with Usman Khan brought calm back to Pakistan’s chase.
Once Fakhar departed at 115 for 5 in the 16th over Pakistan needed their finishers to step up. Usman Khan, who had already played sensibly, took charge of the chase with smart placement and sharp running. He finished unbeaten on 37 off 28 deliveries, guiding the innings with maturity. Mohammad Nawaz provided the late acceleration Pakistan needed. His quick 20 not out off 12 balls, featuring two boundaries and a six, ensured that Pakistan crossed the finish line without allowing the match to slip into dangerous territory.
Despite the loss, Zimbabwe’s bowlers put in a commendable effort. Brad Evans stood out with figures of 2 for 26, dismissing both Farhan and Babar. Richard Ngarava bowled with discipline, taking 1 for 30, while Tinotenda Maposa chipped in with the wicket of Agha Salman.
In the end Pakistan reached 151 for 5 in 19.2 overs, sealing a five-wicket win. The match tested Pakistan more than expected but also highlighted their calmness under pressure and the value of their middle and lower-order contributions. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, showed significant improvement, particularly with their disciplined bowling and energetic fielding, offering hope for stronger performances in the remainder of the series.
