In a nail-biting start to the T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan, the hosts secured a dramatic five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 18, 2025.
Chasing a modest 148, Pakistan wobbled early but clawed back in a tense finish, sealing the win with four balls to spare, proving an unexpected edge for the favored side amid a gritty Zimbabwean fightback.
Zimbabwe, elected to bat first after losing the toss. Openers Brian Bennett (49 off 38) and Tadiwanashe Marumani forged a fiery 72-run stand, smashing boundaries at will against Pakistan’s pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi.
But a middle-order collapse, triggered by Abrar Ahmed’s leg-spin (3/28), pegged them back to 147/8. Captain Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 34 off 24 provided late momentum, but it wasn’t enough on a spin-friendly pitch.
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously with Babar Azam out for a duck, leaving them at 20/3. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive 44 off 32 steadied the ship, but it was Usman Khan’s unbeaten 37 off 28 that kept the required rate in check.
Mohammad Nawaz starred with an all-round 21* off 12 and key wickets earlier, earning player-of-the-match honors. The duo’s 51-run stand in the last five overs turned the tide, silencing early doubts.
The win boosts Pakistan’s confidence ahead of clashes with Sri Lanka, while Zimbabwe rues missed opportunities. As the series heats up, this opener highlighted T20’s unpredictability, where underdogs nearly stole the show.
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