In a significant PAK vs ZIM contest, Pakistan cruised into the tri-series final with an emphatic 69-run victory over Zimbabwe. A steady half-century from Babar Azam and a spectacular hat-trick by Usman Tariq sealed not only Pakistan’s third consecutive win but also dealt a massive blow to Zimbabwe’s net run rate to keep Sri Lanka still alive for automatic qualification for the second final spot. Pakistan’s total of 195 was way out of the reach of Zimbabwe as their batting unit collapsed to 126 all out, never really threatening the chase.
Explosive Start and Steady Build-up of Pakistan
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Saim Ayub gave them a brisk start, hitting two early sixes before he fell in the power play. His cameo set the tone for an aggressive innings.
Babar Azam & Sahibzada Farhan Anchor the Innings
After Ayub was out, the responsibility shifted to the in-form pair of Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan attempted to take full advantage of the powerplay, with 32 runs from his first 20 deliveries which showed aggressive batting but careful consideration of risk.
Babar took his time, scoring just 15 runs from his first 20 deliveries and then quickened the scoring rate later in the innings. The different styles of the two perfectly complemented each other as they built that vital century stand. Farhan hammered 63 off 41 before falling to Sikandar Raza, while Babar’s 74 off 52 kept Pakistan ahead of the required run rate.
Late-order Acceleration: Fakhar’s Fireworks
Having wickets in hand at the start of the final five overs, Pakistan tinkered with their batting order. While Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz could not make the most of it, Babar continued his destruction, taking apart Brad Evans and Raza in overs worth 16 and 11 runs respectively.
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Fakhar Zaman Steals the Show with a Dazzling Final Over
The actual carnage was seen in the final over when Fakhar Zaman, astonishingly batting at No.7 for the first time, went on a breathtaking attack against Evans.
3 sixes and 1 four
25 runs in the final over.
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A no-ball reprieve followed by a six off the free hit
This blitz propelled Pakistan to a tournament-best 195.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Falters Under Pressure
Top Order Collapse
The early scoreboard pressure saw Zimbabwe’s top-heavy batting lineup crumble. Marumani chipped a simple catch off Naseem Shah.
Bennett and Taylor followed shortly after. At 34/3 inside the powerplay, Zimbabwe’s hopes faded quickly in this PAK vs ZIM contest.
Burl and Raza Resist
Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza combined to put together the only significant stand of the innings, worth 34 runs. Burl was not happy to farm the strike initially but eventually managed a fighting half-century, reaching it with a six off Naseem and remaining unbeaten. Around him, however, wickets kept falling.
Usman Tariq’s Match-winning Hat-trick
The knockout blow was delivered by offspinner Usman Tariq with a brilliant hat-trick. Munyonga swept straight to short fine Immediately after, Musekiwa was bowled. Masakadza, trying to hit an unnecessarily big shot on the hat-trick ball, lofted it straight to long-on.
This moment echoed the infamous “why did he do that?” incident, which was so familiar to the Pakistan fans. Tariq’s hat-trick sealed Zimbabwe’s fate, triggering a rapid end to the innings.
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