Pakistan beat Zimbabwe in T20 tri-series opener

Mohammad Nawaz

Pakistan survived a major scare to chase down 148 and beat Zimbabwe by five wickets in the opening match of the tri-series, thanks to Usman Khan's unbeaten 37 and Mohammad Nawaz's late heroics.

Pakistan were pushed to the brink before scraping home by five wickets against a spirited Zimbabwe in the opening match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series in Rawalpindi on November 18, 2025. Chasing a modest 148, the hosts survived early jitters and a middle-order wobble before Usman Khan’s calm unbeaten 37 and Mohammad Nawaz’s late flourish secured victory with four balls to spare.

Zimbabwe, sent in to bat on a two-paced surface, posted 147 for 8, a total built around Brian Bennett’s stylish 49 off 36 balls. Bennett dominated the powerplay with crisp strokeplay, adding 72 for the first wicket with the aggressive Tadiwanashe Marumani, who chipped in with a 22-ball 30. Their partnership threatened to set up a total well beyond 160, but Pakistan’s spinners dragged the innings back. (Agencies)
Zimbabwe: 147/8 in 20 overs (B. Bennett 49, S. Raza 34, M. Nawaz 2-22, S.Mirza 1-21, A.Ahmed 1-28, S. Ayub 1-31, S.Afridi 1-34)

Pakistan: 151/5 in 19.2 overs (F. Zaman 44, U. Khan 37, B. Evans 2-26, G. Cremer 1-27, T.Maposa 1-29, R. Ngarava 1-31)