Rawalpindi, November 23, 2025 – Pakistan cruised into the final of the T20I Tri-Series 2025 after defeating Zimbabwe by a commanding margin of 69 runs in the fourth match played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The hosts delivered a clinical all-round performance, ensuring their place in the title clash.
Pakistan post formidable 195-run total
Opting to bat first on his birthday, captain Salman Agha saw his side get off to an aggressive start. Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam anchored the innings with a strong 131-run stand.
• Farhan scored 63, playing with authority through the Powerplay.
• Babar Azam contributed 74, showcasing a return to top form with his fluent stroke play.
In the final over, Fakhar Zaman provided a late flourish, smashing three sixes for 25 runs, pushing Pakistan to a commanding 195/5 in 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowling effort fluctuated, with the frontline seamers maintaining discipline but several bowlers, including Brad Evans, conceding costly overs.
Zimbabwe collapse despite Ryan Burl’s resistance
Chasing 196, Zimbabwe never recovered from early setbacks. Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a highly disciplined performance, removing the top order inside the first four overs. Spinners took control after the Powerplay, tightening the grip on the innings.
Leg-spinner Usman Tariq produced a match-winning spell, claiming a hat-trick and finishing with figures that rattled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. His variations and control left the visitors struggling to stitch partnerships.
All ten wickets were claimed by a collective effort from Pakistan, with each bowler contributing at least one breakthrough. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 126 in 19 overs.
The only significant resistance came from Ryan Burl, who scored an unbeaten 67 off 49 balls, playing a lone hand in an otherwise faltering chase.
Player of the Match: Usman Tariq
Usman Tariq was named Player of the Match for becoming the fourth Pakistani bowler to secure a T20I hat-trick. He credited his coaches and captain Salman Agha for the strategic field placement that gave him the confidence to attack with variations.
Reactions from team captains
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s captain, admitted that his side failed to recover after early wickets. He emphasized the need for players to take individual responsibility, especially with the upcoming T20 World Cup in Asia where spin-friendly conditions will dominate.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha hailed the victory as a “perfect win,” praising the top-order partnership and the disciplined bowling performance. He highlighted Usman Tariq’s “X-factor” abilities in the middle overs and stressed the importance of smart running between the wickets on Rawalpindi’s 70-meter boundaries.
What’s next in the Tri-Series
With Pakistan sealing their place in the final, the next match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on November 25 becomes a virtual knockout.
• A Zimbabwe win will eliminate Sri Lanka from the race to the final.
• A Sri Lanka win will keep the tournament alive.
The match will also take place in Rawalpindi, starting at 1:00 PM GMT.