ZIM vs PAK (1st Match) – Highlights
Pakistan opened the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 with a gritty yet convincing five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi, but the match was far closer than many expected. On a surface offering grip for spinners and enough bounce for fast bowlers, Zimbabwe fought with admirable intent, posting 147 for 8 thanks to a mix of clean striking, smart running and moments of individual brilliance. In the end, Pakistan’s middle-order calmness and Mohammad Nawaz’s ice-cold finishing made the difference.
ZIM innings looked promising from the start. Brian Bennett played the role of aggressor, timing the ball beautifully on his way to 49 off 36. His stroke-making through the offside kept Pakistan’s bowlers searching for answers in the powerplay. Tadiwanashe Marumani offered able support with a 30 off 22, ensuring the visitors crossed 70 inside eight overs. But the innings stalled in the middle phase as Pakistan squeezed through spin. Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed worked in tandem, tightening the scoring and forcing mistakes. Nawaz removed Marumani and Burl before returning later to deliver a pivotal over.
Yet when ZIM were losing control, Captain Sikandar Raza stepped up. His unbeaten 34 off 24, laced with three fours and a towering six, dragged the total to 147. While it seemed competitive, the feeling lingered that Zimbabwe were 15 short considering their flying start. Pakistan’s sharp fielding created two crucial run-outs, keeping the home side in control despite occasional bowling lapses.
The chase began shakily for PAK. Fakhar Zaman watched wickets tumble around him as first Sahibzada Farhan, then Babar Azam for a duck, and then captain Salman Agha departed in quick succession. At three down for 30 inside the power play, the match tilted dramatically in Zimbabwe’s favour. The visitors smelled a famous upset; the crowd grew restless.
But Fakhar and Usman Khan rebuilt with maturity and controlled aggression. Fakhar’s 44 off 32 shifted momentum as he targeted the short boundaries with clarity of thought, while Usman anchored the chase with risk-managed batting. Their partnership of 61 restored calm, and though Fakhar departed with still 33 needed off 26, PAK’s depth came to the rescue.
Enter Mohammad Nawaz, the match’s defining figure. Having already delivered with the ball, he produced a blistering 21 off 12 when the pressure peaked. Usman’s unbeaten 37 from 28 served as the glue, but Nawaz’s strike-rate surge sealed the finish with four balls remaining. It was smart hitting, not slogging, as he picked gaps rather than swinging blindly. Zimbabwe bowled with heart until the final over, but Pakistan’s experience under pressure stood tall.
Nawaz deservedly walked away with Player of the Match honours for his all-round brilliance, and Pakistan took two vital points to begin their home tri-series campaign on the perfect note. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will walk away with pride and perhaps a hint of frustration. For long stretches, they were ahead; polishing small tactical areas could easily turn upcoming matches in their favour.
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Scoreboard
Zimbabwe – 147/8 (20)
Pakistan – 151/5 (19.2/20)
Result – Pakistan won by 5 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz
ZIM vs PAK Playing XIs
Zimbabwe | Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer |
Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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