Cricket: Pakistan through to 2025 T20I Tri-Nation Series final after commanding victory over Zimbabwe
Azam, Tariq lead Pakistan to emphatic win in Rawalpindi
Pakistan maintained their 100% winning record in the 2025 T20I Tri-Nation Series on Sunday afternoon, when they surged to a commanding 69-run victory over Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Shaheens were dealt an early blow with opener Saim Ayub being dismissed for just 13 runs in the third over by Brad Evans. Don’t forget to check out our cricket predictions for more insights across the remainder of the series.
However, following Ayub’s early departure, Babar Azam teamed up with Sahibzada Farhan and put together a stunning second-wicket partnership of 103 runs to get their side to 132/2 by the 16th over before the latter was bowled by Sikandar Raza.
Azam went on to reach 74 runs from 52 deliveries before heading back to the pavilion, and after Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz were dismissed cheaply, a quickfire 27 off 10 balls by Fakhar Zaman got the Green Shirts to 195/5 in their 20-over allotment.
Zimbabwe were set on the back foot early in their chase, losing their top order of Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett and Brendon Taylor in quick succession, which left them on 25/3 by the fourth over.
Despite a brief fightback by skipper Raza, who finished with 67 runs off 49 deliveries, Usman Tariq made sure of the victory for the home team by single-handedly knocking over the visitors’ middle order to finish with figures of 4/18 in his four overs.
Pakistan on upward trajectory in white-ball formats
With the victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday, Pakistan have booked their place in the final of this 2025 T20I Tri-Nation Series with a game to spare. The Shaheens have six points from their three games, while Zimbabwe are on two points and Sri Lanka are on zero, though they have a game in hand.
The result also extended the Green Shirts’ positive recent record in limited-overs cricket, having beaten South Africa 2-1 in their three-match T20I and ODI series here last month. Since the start of September, only India and the Proteas have managed victories in white-ball formats against Salman Ali Agha’s side.
Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka on Thursday this week before contesting the final on Saturday here in Rawalpindi. It was also confirmed this week that they will face England on the road in a three-match Test series in the New Year.
