Pakistan Beats Zimbabwe by 69 Runs as Usman Tariq’s 4/18 Shreds Zimbabwe’s Chase in Rawalpindi

When Pakistan national cricket team took the field at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025, they weren’t just playing a match—they were sending a message. By crushing Zimbabwe by 69 runs in the fourth T20I of the tri-series, Pakistan didn’t just win a game; they exposed deep cracks in Zimbabwe’s batting structure and announced themselves as serious contenders for the final. The win, powered by a devastating spell from left-arm spinner Usman Tariq (4 for 18 in 4 overs), left Zimbabwe reeling at 126 all out in 19 overs after posting a formidable 195/5. It was the kind of performance that turns tournaments on their head—and it came at the perfect time.

Powerplay Collapse Dooms Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s chase never really got going. Three wickets fell inside the first four overs, and the momentum was gone before drinks. Tadiwanashe Marumani was lbw in the first ball of the innings, Brian Bennett followed in the next over, and veteran Brendan Taylor—once Zimbabwe’s rock—was caught behind off Usman Tariq in the third over. The crowd roared. The scoreboard blinked: 3/25. That was the death knell.

Even Ryan Burl, Zimbabwe’s most experienced batter, couldn’t salvage it. His 67 off 49 balls—filled with four boundaries and two sixes—was heroic by Zimbabwean standards, but it came too late. By the time he was dismissed in the 17th over, the required rate had climbed to over 14 runs per over. The lower order offered no resistance. Only two batters reached double figures. The bowling attack, led by Sikandar Raza (2/39), looked exhausted, and the fielding, sloppy.

Rawalpindi Roars as Pakistan’s Batting Explodes

On the other side, Pakistan’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Captain Babar Azam (74 off 52) anchored the innings with his trademark elegance, while opener Sahibzada Farhan (63 off 41) turned the heat up early. Their 100-run partnership in just 76 balls was the backbone of the innings. The crowd rose to their feet when Farhan cracked a six over midwicket off Richard Ngarava—it was the moment Zimbabwe knew they were in trouble.

But the real fireworks came at the death. Fakhar Zaman, the 34-year-old left-hander, turned the final over into a personal showcase. Facing Sikandar Raza, he launched three sixes in four deliveries—each one louder than the last. The last ball of the innings, a full toss, went over the long-on fence. Pakistan finished with 195/5, a total that looked even bigger given Zimbabwe’s fragility.

Usman Tariq: The Quiet Assassin

Here’s the thing: nobody expected Usman Tariq to be the match-winner. He’d played only three T20Is before this. But on a pitch offering turn and grip, he was surgical. His first over: two dot balls, a wicket, a dot, a wicket. His third over: two more wickets, one caught behind, one lbw. Four overs. Four wickets. Eighteen runs. He didn’t just take wickets—he broke spirits.

His dismissal of Brendan Taylor was the turning point. Taylor, who had played 150+ international matches, was beaten by a subtle arm ball that kept low. The review was used—Umpire Faisal Afridi’s call stood. No drama. Just perfection.

Supporting him, Mohammad Nawaz (2/21) kept the pressure on with tight lines and clever changes of pace. The fielding was sharp too—two run-outs, three excellent catches. Pakistan didn’t just outplay Zimbabwe; they made them look out of their depth.

What This Means for the Tri-Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been quietly rebuilding its international profile since returning to home series in 2019. This win—Pakistan’s third in four matches—puts them firmly on top of the table with 6 points. Sri Lanka, who lost to Pakistan in their opening match, still have a chance, but they’ll need to beat Zimbabwe convincingly and hope Pakistan slips up.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are in crisis. Their top order has collapsed in three of four matches. Their spinners have been expensive. Their fielding lacks cohesion. And now, with the next match against Sri Lanka looming, questions are mounting about leadership. Captain Sikandar Raza, 39, is doing his best—but he’s carrying too much on his shoulders.

What’s Next?

The fifth and final league match of the tri-series is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, at the same venue: Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe. The winner will likely face Pakistan in the final on Friday, November 28. But here’s the twist: if Sri Lanka wins, they’ll need a massive net run rate boost to overtake Pakistan. That’s unlikely unless Zimbabwe collapses again.

For Pakistan, the focus shifts to fine-tuning. They’ve got the batting firepower. They’ve got the bowling depth. Now, they need to stay sharp. A final against Sri Lanka would be a high-stakes clash—but if Zimbabwe keeps playing like this, Pakistan might not even need to face them.

Historical Context: Rawalpindi’s Growing Legacy

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has hosted 12 T20Is since 2019, and each one has felt like a statement. This match was no different. The crowd—nearly 20,000 strong—was electric. The stands were packed with fans waving green flags, singing chants, and waving glow sticks. It’s a far cry from the days when Pakistan played its home matches in the UAE.

And while the Zimbabwe Cricket board, headquartered in Harare, has struggled with funding and governance, this match was a reminder of how far Pakistan has come. The PCB, under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has invested heavily in infrastructure, youth development, and home series. This win? It’s not just about points. It’s about pride.