A dominant all-round performance propelled Pakistan to their fifth consecutive T20I victory and sealed their place in the final of the Tri-nation T20I series, as they comfortably defeated Zimbabwe by 69 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.
The win was set up by a sublime 103-run partnership between Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan, which powered the hosts to a formidable 195 for five, before debutant leg-spinner Usman Tariq stole the show with a sensational hat-trick to dismantle the Zimbabwean chase.
Batting Masterclass from Babar and Sahibzada
After being put in to bat, Pakistan’s innings was anchored by a masterful second-wicket stand between the experienced Babar Azam and the in-form Sahibzada Farhan. The duo crafted only the second century partnership in 13 T20Is at the venue, taking the score to 132 in the 16th over.
Sahibzada Farhan, fresh from his unbeaten 80 in the previous game, continued his explosive form. He bludgeoned 63 runs off just 41 deliveries, an innings laced with four boundaries and three sixes. At the other end, Babar Azam was a picture of control and class, registering his 38th T20I half-century. His 52-ball 74 included seven fours and two sixes, steering the innings through the middle overs.
A late flourish was provided by Fakhar Zaman, who smashed an unbeaten 27 from a mere 10 balls, including one four and three sixes, to lift Pakistan to a daunting total of 195-5.
For Zimbabwe, skipper Sikandar Raza was the most successful bowler, returning figures of 2-39.
Usman Tariq’s Fairytale Hat-Trick Seals the Deal
In response, Zimbabwe’s chase never found momentum, jolted early by the Pakistani pace trio of Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah, who reduced them to 25-3 within the powerplay.
The innings hinged on a 34-run partnership between Sikandar Raza (23) and the resilient Ryan Burl. However, the introduction of Usman Tariq proved catastrophic for the visitors. In a magical over, the leg-spinner became only the fourth Pakistani bowler to claim a T20I hat-trick, clean bowling Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza in successive deliveries to leave Zimbabwe in tatters at 60-7.
Tariq, playing only his second T20I, finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 18, earning him the Player of the Match award. He was ably supported by Mohammad Nawaz, who bowled a tight spell of 2-21.
Amid the collapse, Ryan Burl fought a lone hand, scoring a career-best, unbeaten 67 off 49 balls, but his heroic effort was in vain as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 126 in the 19th over.
Road to the Final
With this comprehensive win, Pakistan have cemented their spot in the tournament final scheduled for 29 November. Their final league match will be against Sri Lanka on 27 November. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will face Sri Lanka on 25 November in a virtual semi-final to determine who will meet Pakistan for the title.
Scores in Brief:
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 69 runs
Pakistan: 195-5, 20 overs (Babar Azam 74, Sahibzada Farhan 63, Fakhar Zaman 27*; Sikandar Raza 2-39)
Zimbabwe: 126 all out, 19 overs (Ryan Burl 67*, Sikandar Raza 23; Usman Tariq 4-18, Mohammad Nawaz 2-21)
Player of the Match: Usman Tariq (Pakistan)
Upcoming Fixtures:
25 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
27 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
29 November: Final
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