Pakistan opened their tri-series campaign with a hard-fought five-wicket win over Zimbabwe, recovering from early trouble to secure their first points of the tournament in Rawalpindi. Chasing 148, the hosts were rocked at 31 for 3 inside the powerplay before Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz engineered a composed rescue act.
Zimbabwe looked on course for a commanding total at 91 for 1 in the 11th over, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose seven wickets for just 37 runs. Nawaz was the architect, delivering a superb spell of 2 for 22 while applying relentless pressure through dot balls. The spinners tightened the screws, with Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed chipping in as Zimbabwe were strangled to 147 for 8 despite Sikandar Raza’s fighting 34*.
Pakistan’s chase began shakily as Brad Evans removed Farhan and Babar Azam in the same over, with Tinotenda Maposa adding a third strike before the powerplay closed. With the required rate climbing, Fakhar’s 44 off 32 and a crucial 61-run stand with Usman steadied Pakistan’s nerves.
The finishing touch came from Nawaz, who followed his stellar bowling with a decisive 21* off 12 balls. A dropped catch at midwicket denied Zimbabwe a late opening, and Nawaz sealed the victory with four balls to spare.
Pakistan leave with confidence while Zimbabwe leaves, knowing they let a big total slip away.
