Pakistan thrash Zimbabwe by 69 runs in T20I Tri-Nation series

Rawalpindi: In the fourth match of the Rai Nation Series, Pakistan comfortably defeated Zimbabwe by 69 runs to secure a place in the final.

At Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 126 runs while chasing Pakistan’s target of 196. Ryan Burl showed strong resistance by scoring 67 runs off 49 balls, but none of the other batsmen could support him effectively against the Pakistani bowlers.

For Pakistan, Usman Tariq took an outstanding four wickets including a hat-trick, while Mohammad Nawaz took two wickets. Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Wasim Jr. each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a total of 195 runs for the loss of five wickets, thanks to brilliant innings from Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan.

Babar Azam scored a fine 74 runs off 52 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, while Sahibzada Farhan contributed 63 runs off 41 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes.

Fakhar Zaman remained unbeaten on 27, while Saim Ayub scored 13, Mohammad Nawaz 4, and Faheem Ashraf 3 runs.

Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza was the standout bowler for his team, taking two wickets for 39 runs.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. The national squad saw two changes, with fast bowler Naseem Shah and spinner Usman Tariq included in the playing eleven. Fast bowler Salman Mirza and spinner Abrar Ahmed were rested for the match against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan’s playing eleven, led by Salman Ali Agha, included Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan. Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Wasim Jr., Usman Tariq, and Naseem Shah also featured in the final squad.