Babar Azam’s Recent Form Brings Highs and Lows: Babar Azam’s last 10 international matches have been full of ups and downs. He looked in great touch with a 68 against South Africa in a T20I and even smashed a century in an ODI against Sri Lanka. But during the same stretch, the former Pakistan captain also had two ducks, including one in Pakistan’s opening match of the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
Babar Azam Overtakes Shahid Afridi In Unwanted Pakistan Record
That dismissal marked Babar Azam’s ninth duck in T20 internationals, pushing him past Shahid Afridi’s record of eight. He now sits just behind Saim Ayub and former wicketkeeper Umar Akmal, who both have 10, for the most ducks by a Pakistan men’s player in T20 cricket.
Pakistan Survive Scare to Beat Zimbabwe in Tri-Series Opener
Despite Babar Azam’s early exit, Pakistan managed to pull off a five-wicket win over a determined Zimbabwe side. The visitors, already qualified for next year’s T20 World Cup, challenged Pakistan with the ball, but the host team eventually chased down 151 in the final over.
Fakhar Zaman marked his return to T20Is with a solid 44 off 32 balls, helping Pakistan steady things after a shaky start. Zimbabwe earlier posted 147-8, losing momentum against Pakistan’s spinners. Mohammad Nawaz (2-22), Abrar Ahmed (1-28), and Saim Ayub (1-31) tightened the screws in the second half of the innings.
“It was a close game,” Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said. “Our spinners have been doing well for the last 4-5 months and they’re the ones that put us back in the game.”
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Zimbabwe Shine Early as Pakistan Lose Quick Wickets
Zimbabwe started the match brightly with the ball. Fast bowler Brad Evans (2-26) struck twice in one over, and Tinotenda Maposa bowled Agha with a yorker, reducing Pakistan to 30-3 inside the powerplay. It gave Zimbabwe a real opening.
Evans also bowled Sahibzada Farhan for 16 with a skidding delivery and trapped Babar Azam lbw for a three-ball duck. Pakistan lost three wickets for just three runs, leaving their chase in trouble.
Graeme Cremer, returning after missing the Afghanistan series, added to Pakistan’s problems by getting Ayub caught at deep mid-wicket. Pakistan slipped to 54-4 in the 10th over.
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Zaman and Usman Khan Rescue the Chase
A crucial 61-run stand between Zaman and wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan (37 not out) turned the game back in Pakistan’s favor. Richard Ngarava ended Zaman’s stay when the left-hander tried a ramp shot and edged behind.
With 15 needed from the final 10 balls, Zimbabwe had a chance to tilt the game again. Brian Bennett dropped a simple catch off Nawaz in the deep, and the mistake proved costly. Nawaz finished the match in style with two boundaries in the final over to give Pakistan a winning start in the tournament.
Zimbabwe Lose Momentum After Strong Opening Stand
Zimbabwe began their innings brilliantly with a 59-run opening partnership in the powerplay. Brian Bennett (49) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30) took on both pace and spin, smashing 17 runs off Ayub’s first over.
But Mohammad Nawaz slowed things down by removing Marumani in the eighth over. Brendan Taylor contributed 14 before being run out by a sharp throw from Babar. Bennett, who hit eight fours, also fell when he offered a return catch to Ayub.
After cruising at 88-1 in 10 overs, Zimbabwe struggled to keep the momentum going. Pakistan’s spinners kept picking up wickets, leaving only captain Sikandar Raza to provide some late push with an unbeaten 34 off 24 balls, including a six against Shaheen Shah Afridi in the final over.
“There are more positives than negatives,” Raza said. “We’re getting to a stage where the fight has always been there, but we must learn how to cross the line. That has been the last hurdle, and I’d like to see us crossing the line more often.”
Sri Lanka Up Next in the Tri-Series
Sri Lanka is the third team in this tri-series and will face Zimbabwe in the next match on Thursday.
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