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| Nawaz picked up 2 wickets and scored unbeaten 21 |
The opening match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series in Rawalpindi turned into a tough test for the home side. What looked like a straightforward chase after Zimbabwe collapsed in the middle overs eventually stretched into the final over. In the end, Pakistan held their nerve and won by five wickets, thanks mainly to Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, who played key roles with bat and ball.
Zimbabwe began the match strongly and were in control during the early part of their innings. At one stage, they were 91 for 1 in the 11th over and seemed set for a total well above 180. But the game changed sharply after Pakistan’s spinners tightened their grip. Zimbabwe went from a dominant position to 147 for 8 in their 20 overs, losing seven wickets for just 37 runs. This collapse became the turning point of the match.
Pakistan’s chase started poorly, with three early wickets inside the powerplay. Zimbabwe’s seamers bowled with discipline and used movement off the pitch to slow Pakistan’s progress. At 30 for 3, Pakistan were under pressure, and Zimbabwe sensed a real chance to defend their modest total.
This is where Fakhar Zaman, returning to the T20I side, stepped up with a steady innings of 44 off 32 balls. His partnership of 61 runs with Usman Khan rebuilt Pakistan’s innings and brought control back to the chase. After Fakhar’s dismissal, Usman carried on calmly and remained unbeaten on 37. But the most important contribution came from Mohammad Nawaz, who added crucial late runs, including a six and two boundaries, to seal the chase in the final over.
With four balls remaining, Nawaz hit the winning boundary, giving Pakistan a positive start to the tri-series and their first points on the table.
Zimbabwe’s Strong Start and Sudden Collapse
Zimbabwe began their innings with confidence. Their openers adopted an aggressive approach, hitting 11 fours and a six inside the first seven overs. Pakistan’s spinners, introduced early, struggled initially as Zimbabwe kept attacking. The run rate hovered close to 10 an over, suggesting a large total was on the horizon.
But the match took a sharp turn when Mohammad Nawaz dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani with a full toss that was miscued to deep square leg. This breakthrough opened the door for Pakistan. Nawaz bowled tightly, attacking the stumps and adjusting his pace cleverly. His four overs went for just 22 runs, the best economy rate of the match among bowlers who completed their full quota.
From the moment Nawaz took the first wicket, Zimbabwe lost control. The pressure created by Pakistan’s spinners forced mistakes. There was little turn in the pitch, but bowlers like Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed used flight and variations to trouble the batters. Dot balls increased, and frustration built up among Zimbabwe’s middle order.
This phase of play—between the 11th and 19th overs—was decisive. Zimbabwe moved from 91 for 1 to 128 for 8, scoring only 40 runs in eight overs. Two run-outs added to their problems, showing the pressure they were under. Only Sikandar Raza showed resistance, finishing unbeaten on 34 off 24 balls and helping Zimbabwe avoid an even smaller total.
Despite the collapse, Zimbabwe still managed to challenge Pakistan with their disciplined bowling later in the match.
Pakistan’s Early Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 148 should have been comfortable for Pakistan, but Zimbabwe’s seamers produced an impressive early burst. Brad Evans dismissed Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam in the same over, giving Zimbabwe early momentum. Farhan played on while attempting a cut shot, and Babar was caught behind trying to guide the ball to third man.
Tinotenda Maposa added another wicket by trapping Salman Agha LBW in the sixth over. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 31 for 3, well behind the required rate. Zimbabwe’s bowlers used the surface well, hitting hard lengths and keeping tight lines. Their fielding was sharp, and they did not allow Pakistan any easy boundaries.
Pakistan continued to struggle in the next few overs. The pressure increased when Saim Ayub, who looked set to anchor the innings, was dismissed by Graeme Cremer’s legspin in the 10th over. At that moment, Pakistan needed nearly nine runs per over, and Zimbabwe were on top.
Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan Rebuild Pakistan's Chase
With wickets falling early, Pakistan needed a steady partnership, and Fakhar Zaman provided exactly that. Returning to T20 internationals, Fakhar batted with a mix of responsibility and aggression. He rotated the strike, targeted loose deliveries, and kept Pakistan in the game.
Usman Khan, at the other end, showed maturity. Rather than going for risky shots, he kept his focus on building a base. His ability to pick the gaps and run hard between the wickets helped Pakistan keep up with the required rate.
Their partnership of 61 runs changed the match. The scoreboard pressure eased, and Zimbabwe lost some of the intensity they had shown early on. Fakhar hit important boundaries and kept his innings positive until he was dismissed for 44 off 32 balls.
After Fakhar’s exit, Usman continued smartly. His unbeaten 37 provided stability for Pakistan during the last part of the chase. His role became even more important when Pakistan needed quick runs in the final overs.
Mohammad Nawaz’s All-Round Performance Seals the Win
While Fakhar and Usman rebuilt the innings, it was Mohammad Nawaz who ensured Pakistan crossed the line. Nawaz had already contributed with an excellent spell of 2 for 22, but his batting became crucial in the final moments of the match.
When he came to the crease, the required run rate was rising, and Zimbabwe sensed an opening. Nawaz started positively but also benefitted from a dropped catch by Brian Bennett at midwicket. If that catch had been taken, Pakistan might have faced real trouble.
After the reprieve, Nawaz played with confidence. He hit one six and two boundaries, shifting the momentum firmly back to Pakistan. His ability to find gaps and play with freedom in high-pressure moments made a big difference.
With 15 needed off 10 balls, Pakistan still needed calm heads. Nawaz provided that, hitting the winning boundary with four balls remaining. His all-round contribution made him one of the standout performers of the match.
Zimbabwe’s Bowling Effort Keeps Match Alive
Even though Zimbabwe’s batting collapsed, their bowlers showed heart. Evans and Maposa used the new ball effectively, while Cremer—making his first T20I appearance in more than seven years—bowled with control despite the long gap between matches.
The seamers maintained pressure for most of the innings. Zimbabwe also fielded well, cutting off boundaries and turning singles into dot balls. If they had held the catch offered by Nawaz late in the game, the match could have taken a different direction.
A Positive Start for Pakistan in the Tri-Series
Pakistan’s five-wicket win gave them their first points in the tri-series, but it also highlighted areas for improvement. Their top order struggled against disciplined bowling, and their early overs with the ball lacked control. However, the performances of Fakhar, Usman, and Nawaz will give the team confidence moving forward.
Zimbabwe, despite the loss, showed competitiveness. Their collapse cost them the match, but their start with the bat and their determined bowling spell in the second innings showed they can challenge other teams in this series.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s five-wicket win gave them their first points in the tri-series, but it also highlighted areas for improvement. Their top order struggled against disciplined bowling, and their early overs with the ball lacked control. However, the performances of Fakhar, Usman, and Nawaz will give the team confidence moving forward.
Zimbabwe, despite the loss, showed competitiveness. Their collapse cost them the match, but their start with the bat and their determined bowling spell in the second innings showed they can challenge stronger teams in this series.
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