Match Report: Pakistan Start Tri-Series with Confident Win Over Zimbabwe

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan opened their tri-series campaign on a positive note as Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan delivered composed, timely innings to secure a well-earned victory over Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan managed to chase down 148 with four balls to spare. The innings started steadily. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub built a 27-run opening partnership in 4.1 overs. Farhan got out first for 16 runs off 15 balls. That ended the early stand.

Things went downhill for Pakistan right after. They lost two quick wickets and slipped to 30 for 3 in 5.4 overs. Babar Azam fell lbw without scoring. Salman Agha made only one run.

Fakhar and Usman Steady the Ship

Pressure was mounting now. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman stepped up to steady things. They added 24 runs in a short partnership. That pushed the score to 50 by the ninth over.

Zimbabwe hit back hard. They got rid of Saim for 22 off 26 balls. He scored 4 boundaries and a six. The match tightened up once more. Then, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan put on 61 runs together. They batted sensibly and got the team past 100 by the fifteen overs.

Fakhar made 44 from 32 balls. He hit two sixes and two fours. With 33 runs needed off 24 balls, Mohammad Nawaz came in. He formed a 36-run stand that sealed the win.

Mohammad Nawaz’s brisk 21 off 12, featuring two fours and a six, proved pivotal, while Usman Khan remained steady with a gutsy 37 off 28, striking three fours.

For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the standout bowler, picking up two wickets.

Zimbabwe’s Early Foundation

Earlier that evening, Pakistan's spinners kept things tight. They made sure Zimbabwe could not build a bigger total.

Zimbabwe batted first after being sent in. They ended at 147 for eight in 20 overs. Even with a good start, they struggled later. Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani opened with a 72-run stand in eight overs. They smashed 13 off Shaheen Afridi's first over. 

They went after the pacers too, taking 11 and 17 from Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed in the power play. By the sixth over, they sat at 59 without much worry.

Pakistan's Bowlers Regain Control

Mohammad Nawaz made the key breakthrough. He dismissed Marumani for 30 off 22 balls. That included three fours and a six. Brendan Taylor followed soon after with 14 off as many balls. That sparked a collapse. Zimbabwe stalled at 91 for two after 11 overs.

The bowlers kept the pressure on after that. They never let Zimbabwe find its groove again. Bennett led the scoring with 49 off 36 balls. He struck eight fours in total.

Pakistan's spinners did well overall. Mohammad Nawaz took two wickets. Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub each got one.