Pakistan began their tri-series campaign on a winning note, successfully chasing down Zimbabwe’s 148-run target to secure a four-wicket victory at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The hosts reached 151 for 5 in 19.2 overs, thanks to a steady finish from Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, who guided the chase with calm, composed batting under pressure.
Zimbabwe’s innings:
Sent in to bat, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 147 for 8, driven by a late flourish from captain Sikandar Raza, who anchored the innings with a crucial 34 off 24 balls*. The visitors had made a bright start as openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett took on the new ball, putting Pakistan under early pressure with aggressive stroke play. Marumani smashed 30 off 22 before Mohammad Nawaz broke the opening stand in the eighth over.
Zimbabwe briefly regained momentum through Bennett’s strong knock, but Pakistan struck back when a sharp fielding effort from Babar Azam led to the run-out of Brendan Taylor. Bennett, who looked set for a half-century, fell for 49 off 36, caught and bowled by Saim Ayub, triggering a mid-innings collapse. Pakistan’s bowlers tightened control as wickets fell regularly, with Nawaz delivering the standout spell of 2 for 22, supported by Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who each picked up a wicket.
Pakistan’s chase:
Chasing 148, Pakistan made steady progress despite losing wickets at intervals. By the 15-over mark, they were 106 for 4, still needing 40 runs from 29 balls. The match was finely poised until Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz paired up to take Pakistan home with calm-headed composure.
Usman played a mature knock, finishing unbeaten on 37 off 28 deliveries, rotating the strike well while picking timely boundaries. Nawaz provided the finishing punch with an impactful 21 off 12*, ensuring Pakistan crossed the line with four balls to spare.
The win gives Pakistan early momentum in the tri-series, while Zimbabwe will look to regroup after letting promising starts slip with both bat and ball.
