PAK vs ZIM (4th Match) – Highlights
Pakistan produced a commanding performance against Zimbabwe in the 4th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series at Rawalpindi, securing a comfortable 69-run victory. Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 195 for 5, with Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan leading the charge. Farhan set the tone with a quickfire 63 off 41 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes, giving Pakistan the momentum in the early overs.
Babar Azam, as steady as ever, anchored the innings with a classy 74 off 52 deliveries, peppered with seven boundaries and two sixes. The duo’s partnership stabilised the innings after Saim Ayub’s early dismissal for 13, and propelled PAK to a formidable total. Fakhar Zaman’s late cameo of 27 off just 10 balls, including three sixes, added crucial acceleration in the final overs, ensuring Zimbabwe had a challenging target to chase.
The Pakistan bowling unit delivered a clinical display to complement the batting effort. Usman Tariq was the standout, wreaking havoc with 4 wickets for just 18 runs in his 4.1 overs, earning the Player of the Match award. Tariq’s wickets came at key moments, breaking Zimbabwe’s partnerships and consistently keeping the run rate in check. Mohammad Nawaz was equally effective, picking up 2 wickets for 21 runs, while Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim chipped in with one wicket each. The collective effort meant Zimbabwe’s batting lineup was never able to settle or build meaningful partnerships against a disciplined Pakistani attack.
ZIM, chasing a steep target of 196, struggled from the outset. Early wickets fell quickly, with Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett back in the pavilion inside the power play. Brendan Taylor’s 8-run contribution failed to provide the stability Zimbabwe needed, and despite a fighting 67 off 49 balls by Ryan Burl, the innings never gained traction. Middle-order wickets fell at crucial intervals, with Usman Tariq’s incisive bowling dismantling the tail.
ZIM eventually finished at 126 all out in the 19th over, unable to match Pakistan’s intensity in either batting or bowling. Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava attempted to hold the innings together but were ultimately overpowered by Pakistan’s all-round dominance.
This win not only highlighted Pakistan’s batting depth but also underscored their bowling versatility. Tariq’s emergence as a match-winner with the ball, combined with Babar Azam’s consistency at the top of the order, provided the perfect blueprint for a balanced T20 side. Pakistan’s aggressive intent, smart shot selection, and tactical execution were on full display throughout the match, leaving Zimbabwe struggling to adapt to the pace and variations on offer.
PAK now look well poised in the Tri-Series, with confidence high and multiple match-winners in both batting and bowling departments. Zimbabwe will need to rethink their approach, particularly against disciplined and varied bowling attacks, as the tournament progresses.
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe Scoreboard
Pakistan – 195/5 (20)
Zimbabwe – 126/10 (19)
Result – Pakistan won by 69 runs
Player of the Match – Usman Tariq
Usman Tariq
PAK vs ZIM Playing XIs
Pakistan | Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan †, Mohammad Wasim, Usman Tariq, Naseem Shah |
Zimbabwe | Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor †, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava |
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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