Pakistan secured a commanding 69-run win over Zimbabwe, propelled by a classy 74 from Babar Azam and a stunning hat-trick from Usman Tariq. The victory keeps Pakistan undefeated and guarantees their place in the tri-series final while dealing a severe blow to Zimbabwe’s net run rate.
Chasing 196, Zimbabwe’s top-heavy batting lineup never gained momentum, folding for 126 under disciplined bowling. Tariq wreaked havoc with figures of 4 for 18, including a hat-trick that ran through the lower order, while Nawaz chipped in with two crucial wickets. Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 67 was the only real resistance.
Earlier, Babar and Sahibzada Farhan anchored Pakistan’s innings with a 100-run partnership, with Farhan contributing 63 off 41 balls. Babar, after a steady start, accelerated to his 52-ball 74, dominating the middle overs and keeping Pakistan in control.
Pakistan finished strongly, with Fakhar Zaman plundering 25 runs in the final over, including three sixes and a four, ensuring the total reached 195 for 5. Zimbabwe’s chase never threatened, as Tariq’s hat-trick closed the innings emphatically, leaving the visitors short by 69 runs.
The win consolidates Pakistan’s dominance in the tri-series and sets up a high-stakes final, with Zimbabwe struggling to recover from back-to-back heavy defeats.
