Pakistan have been pushed to the brink earlier than scraping dwelling by 5 wickets towards a spirited Zimbabwe within the opening match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Sequence in Rawalpindi on November 18, 2025. Chasing a modest 148, the hosts survived early jitters and a middle-order wobble earlier than Usman Khan’s calm unbeaten 37 and Mohammad Nawaz’s late flourish secured victory with 4 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe, despatched in to bat on a two-paced floor, posted 147 for 8, a complete constructed round Brian Bennett’s fashionable 49 off 36 balls. Bennett dominated the powerplay with crisp strokeplay, including 72 for the primary wicket with the aggressive Tadiwanashe Marumani, who chipped in with a 22-ball 30. Their partnership threatened to arrange a complete nicely past 160, however Pakistan’s spinners dragged the innings again.
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, T20I tri-series, Match 1 Highlights
Mohammad Nawaz (2 for 22) and Abrar Ahmed (1 for 28) utilized the brakes by the center overs, eradicating Ryan Burl and Marumani in fast succession. Bennett’s dismissal at 94 for 3 additional halted Zimbabwe’s momentum. Captain Sikandar Raza performed an important hand with a 24-ball 34*, lifting his facet previous 140, however common wickets on the dying—triggered by tight spells from Salman Mirza and Shaheen Shah Afridi—left Zimbabwe in need of a really difficult rating.
FAKHAR, NAWAZ RESCUE PAKISTAN
Pakistan’s chase started in chaotic vogue. Sahibzada Farhan began positively with three boundaries however fell for 16, earlier than Brad Evans delivered the large blow by trapping Babar Azam lbw for a three-ball duckWhen captain Salman Agha fell cheaply and Saim Ayub’s uncomfortable 22 off 26 ended at 54 for 4, the hosts have been reeling,
Fakhar Zaman shifted the momentum again with a counterattacking 44 off 32 balls, mixing brute energy with good placement. His 61-run stand with Usman Khan revived Pakistan’s hopes, although his dismissal at 115 for five reopened the competition.
Usman, nevertheless, remained composed, rotating strike effectively whereas punishing free deliveries. Nawaz then walked in with Pakistan needing 33 off 26, and his energetic 20 off 12—together with a six and two boundaries—tilted the sport decisively Pakistan’s manner. The pair guided the staff to 151 for five in 19.2 overs, sealing a nervous however necessary win.
For Zimbabwe, Evans impressed with 2 for 26, whereas Ngarava and Cremer stored the chase fascinating. However their lack of ability to strike within the closing overs value them a possible upset.
Transient Scores
Zimbabwe: 147/8 in 20 overs. Brian Bennett (49), Sikandar Raza (34*); Mohammad Nawaz (2/22), Abrar Ahmed (1/28)
Pakistan: 151/5 in 19.2 overs. Fakhar Zaman (44), Usman Khan (37*); Brad Evans (2/26), Richard Ngarava (1/30)
End result:Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 5 wickets
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