In the inaugural match of the T20 Tri-Series played in Rawalpindi, Pakistan started with a victory, defeating Zimbabwe by 5 wickets. All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz delivered a powerful performance with both bat and ball in this match, securing a crucial win for the team.
Sports News: Thanks to Mohammad Nawaz's (21* and two wickets) robust all-round performance, Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets with four balls to spare in the opening match of the T20 Tri-Series on Tuesday. In this match played in Rawalpindi, Zimbabwe batted first and scored 147 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan achieved the target by losing five wickets in 19.2 overs.
With this win, Pakistan earned two points, while Zimbabwe suffered a loss. Mohammad Nawaz was chosen as the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. The next match of the Tri-Series will be played between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Pakistan's Poor Start, Babar Azam Out Without Scoring
Chasing a target of 148 runs, Pakistan had a very poor start. Opener Sahibzada Farhan (16) was clean bowled by a brilliant delivery from Brad Evans. Just three balls later, Evans delivered the biggest blow to Pakistan—captain Babar Azam was out LBW without scoring. With two wickets falling in the initial overs, Pakistan came under pressure.
Zimbabwe maintained the pressure thereafter. Tino Maposa delivered the third blow to Pakistan by getting Salman Agha (1) out LBW. When the score crossed 50 runs, Graeme Cremer ended Sam Ayub's (22) innings, deepening Pakistan's crisis. Pakistan's score became 54/4, and the match seemed to be tilting in Zimbabwe's favor.
Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan Stage a Superb Comeback
In a difficult situation, Fakhar Zaman (44) and Usman Khan (37)* steadied Pakistan. The duo formed a crucial 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket, providing stability to the team. Zaman played an explosive innings of 32 balls, including two fours and two sixes, but was dismissed six runs short of a half-century. He was caught by wicketkeeper Taylor off a delivery from Brian Ngara.
After Zaman's dismissal, Usman Khan was joined by Mohammad Nawaz. The pair finished the match in 20 balls, securing Pakistan's victory. Usman scored an unbeaten 37 runs off 28 balls with the help of three fours, while Nawaz remained unbeaten with 21 runs off 12 balls, hitting two fours and one six. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans took the most wickets with two. Ngara, Maposa, and Cremer each secured one wicket.
Zimbabwe's Strong Start, But Middle Order Fails Again
Earlier, Zimbabwe batted first and scored 147 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. The team got a fantastic start from their openers. Brian Bennett (49) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30) accelerated the scoring rate with a 72-run partnership. Marumani was caught out by Mohammad Nawaz off Shaheen Afridi, after which Pakistan gained control of the match. Brendan Taylor (14) was unfortunately run out. Bennett was close to a half-century, but Sam Ayub took a brilliant catch off his own bowling to dismiss him at 49 runs.
Following this, Zimbabwe's middle order faltered. Ryan Burl (8), Tony Munyonga (3), Tashinga Muskiwa (2), Brad Evans (2), and Tino Maposa (1) were dismissed rapidly. Captain Sikandar Raza took on the responsibility of steadying Zimbabwe's innings, scoring an unbeaten 34 runs off 24 balls with three fours and a six. For Pakistan, Nawaz took two wickets, while Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Sam Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed each secured one wicket.
