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Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to crush Zimbabwe by 69 runs in the tri-series clash, securing their spot in Saturday’s final and tightening their grip at the top of the table. With Babar Azam’s elegant half-century setting the stage and Usman Tariq’s remarkable hat-trick ripping through Zimbabwe’s middle order, Pakistan completed their third consecutive victory of the tournament. The comprehensive margin also put a severe dent in Zimbabwe’s net run rate, leaving Sri Lanka very much alive in the race for the second finals berth.
Pakistan’s imposing 195 for 5 proved far beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. With the visitors folding for just 126, the contest turned one-sided long before the final wicket fell.
Pakistan’s Confident Start
Pakistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, started aggressively with Saim Ayub looking to dominate the powerplay. His short stay was packed with intent as he hammered two early sixes before picking out a fielder while going for another big hit. His dismissal brought together Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam — two batters who have recently returned to form and were hungry for another substantial stand.
The contrast between their batting styles shaped the early narrative of the innings. Farhan immediately targeted the fielding restrictions, riding his luck at times but continuing to find the boundary. He raced to 32 off his first 20 deliveries, keeping the run rate healthy. Babar, meanwhile, adopted a more measured approach, taking time to settle before opening up later.
Despite their differing methods, the partnership flourished as they assessed the conditions and the target they had in mind. By the midpoint of the innings, both seemed ready to shift gears. In the 12th over, Babar launched into Sikandar Raza with a pair of crisp boundaries, signalling Pakistan’s intent to push harder. Farhan added to the momentum with a massive straight six, bringing up the century stand.
However, he fell on the very next ball for an impressive 63 off 41, giving Pakistan the platform they needed. Babar kept going, ensuring that the innings didn’t lose rhythm. His 52-ball 74 perfectly balanced fluency and stability, compensating well for the quiet initial phase of his innings. When he eventually holed out in the deep, Pakistan were well on course for a formidable total.
Lower Order Acceleration and Fakhar’s Fireworks
With plenty of wickets in hand, Pakistan reshuffled their batting order to maximize their finishing potential. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz were promoted but could not make significant contributions. However, their quick dismissals did little to dent Pakistan’s scoring pace, as overs against Brad Evans and Raza produced bursts of runs — including a 16-run and an 11-run over courtesy of Babar’s controlled aggression.
The real carnage came in the final over, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman, who was surprisingly sent in at No. 7 — a first in his international career. What followed was pure devastation for Zimbabwe. Fakhar launched into Evans with unmatched brutality, smashing three towering sixes and a boundary. The over yielded 25 runs, and could have been slightly less disastrous had Evans’ final ball wicket stood. Instead, it was deemed a no-ball, and Fakhar dispatched the free hit over the ropes as well, pushing Pakistan to a tournament-best 195.
Zimbabwe’s Feeble Chase
Zimbabwe’s top-heavy batting lineup meant they needed a strong start to stay in the contest. But early wickets shattered any hopes they had. Tadiwanashe Marumani gifted his wicket with a tame shot off Naseem Shah, followed by Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor falling cheaply. A collapse seemed inevitable as Pakistan’s bowlers suffocated the innings.
The only real resistance came through a 34-run partnership between Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza. Burl, in particular, played a determined knock, ending unbeaten on 67. However, his reluctance to farm the strike early on puzzled many, especially as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Only once he approached his fifty did he look more intent on retaining the strike, which in the larger context came far too late to influence the outcome.
Usman Tariq’s Magical Hat-Trick
The defining moment of Zimbabwe’s collapse arrived courtesy of offspinner Usman Tariq. His hat-trick encapsulated the visitors’ panic and Pakistan’s relentless pressure. Tony Munyonga was the first to fall, gloving a sweep straight to short fine leg. The next ball uprooted Tashinga Musekiwa. With fielders crowding around the bat for the hat-trick delivery, Wellington Masakadza bizarrely chose to attack rather than defend — lofting an ambitious shot straight to long-on. The catch was comfortably taken, gifting Tariq a memorable hat-trick and sealing Zimbabwe’s fate.
Pakistan’s dominant showing underscored their rising confidence and flawless execution across departments. With the final already booked, they head into the next stage as firm favourites, while Zimbabwe face a steep uphill task after this crushing defeat.
