PAK VS ZIM: Usman’s hattrick lights up Pakistan’s triumph over Zimbabwe

RAWALPINDI: In tonight’s PAK vs ZIM clash, Pakistan secured a commanding victory over Zimbabwe XI, with the national bowlers dismantling the touring side. Usman played a crucial role, picking up two key wickets to tighten Pakistan’s grip on the match.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss in the 4th match of the T20 Tri-Series and opted to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total for Zimbabwe tonight.

Pakistan Batting Line

Sahibzada Farhan starred with a fluent 63 off 41 balls, striking 4 fours and 3 sixes, while Babar Azam led the charge with a classy 74 off 52 deliveries, including 7 boundaries and 2 sixes. Fakhar Zaman provided the late boost with a quickfire 27 off just 10 balls, maintaining Pakistan’s strong run rate.

Other contributors included Saim Ayub (13) and Faheem Ashraf (3), while Mohammad Nawaz added 4 runs. Captain Salman Agha remained unbeaten on 1, and Fakhar Zaman’s explosive finish helped push Pakistan past the 190-run mark. Extras added 10 runs to the total.

Zimbabwe Batting Line

The Shaheens bowling attack delivered a dominant performance against Zimbabwe XI, crushing the touring side’s batting lineup to seal a convincing win in the 4th match of the T20I Tri-Series.

Chasing a target of 196, Zimbabwe XI collapsed to 126 in 19 overs, with home team’s bowlers striking at regular intervals and never allowing the tourists to settle.

Mohammad Wasim removed Brian Bennett, while Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf maintained relentless pressure to ensure victory for Pakistan. Skipper Sikandar Raza’s 18-ball 23 provided brief resistance, however it was Ryan Burl’s explosive 49-delivery 67 that stood out as the lone fightback.

Pakistan, however, adhered to disciplinary game. Usman Tariq played a key role in the middle overs, claiming crucial wickets of Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa, tightening the choke on Zimbabwe’s chase. Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Khan also chipped in, ensuring the visitors never came close to threatening the target.

The victory for Pakistan came after the team ensured disciplin and crushing wicket-taking rhythm. Pakistan’s bowlers showcased a commanding display, crushing Zimbabwe XI’s hopes of staying alive in the contest.

Zimbabwe Playing XI

Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (capt), Bradley Evans, Brendan Taylor, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava

Pakistan Playing XI

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq

Sri Lank defeat in 3rd match

Pakistan have also defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the third match of the Tri-Nation T20 series, that was held on Friday. The side opener Sahibzada Farhan had played an 80-run brilliant innings too.

Sahibzada Farhan etched his name into the record books after becoming the first Pakistani batsman to smash 100 sixes in T20 cricket within a single calendar year. The milestone came Yesterday as he scored 80 off 45 (featuring five sixes and six fours) during Pakistan’s seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.