Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz Lead Pakistan to 5-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe in T20I Tri-Series Opener

When Fakhar Zaman stepped up in the 15th over with Pakistan reeling at 54 for 4, few expected him to single-handedly turn the tide. But that’s exactly what happened — not alone, but with crucial support from Mohammad Nawaz, whose all-round brilliance sealed a dramatic 5-wicket win for Pakistan over Zimbabwe on November 18, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The victory, achieved with four balls to spare in a chase of 148, wasn’t just about runs; it was about resilience, nerve, and the kind of comeback that defines tournament-opening momentum.

From Rollercoaster to Ruin: Zimbabwe’s Batting Collapse

Zimbabwe looked unstoppable early. At 91 for 1 in the 10th over, with Brian J. Bennett smashing 45 off 32 balls and Brendan R. M. Taylor anchoring at the other end, they were cruising toward 190+. But then, everything unraveled. From 91 for 1, they lost seven wickets for just 56 runs. The collapse wasn’t just statistical — it was psychological. One moment, they were playing with freedom; the next, they were falling over themselves against disciplined Pakistani spin and swing.

Richard Ngarava, Zimbabwe’s lone wicket-taker, finished with 1 for 31 in four overs, but even his effort couldn’t mask the team’s fragility. Sikandar Raza, their most experienced batter, top-scored with 34 — a testament to how little support he received. The innings ended at 147 for 8, a total that felt under par given their start. ESPN’s match report called it a "rollicking 91 for 1" turned into a "crumbling finish," and rightly so. In T20 cricket, such collapses are often fatal — and this one was.

Pakistan’s Chase: From Crisis to Control

Pakistan’s reply didn’t start any better. The powerplay was flawless — 59 for 0 in six overs — but the middle overs turned into a nightmare. By the 10th over, they were 54 for 4. The crowd fell silent. The scoreboard looked ominous. But here’s where Fakhar Zaman proved why he’s still Pakistan’s most explosive opener in pressure situations. He didn’t just survive; he seized control.

At the drinks break, he had just 10 runs. By the 18th over, he had 52 off 41 balls. His partnership with Usman Khan — 50 runs in just 33 balls — was the backbone of the chase. Usman, often overlooked, chipped in with 22 crucial runs, while Nawaz, the quiet assassin, finished with 24 off 17 balls and a vital 2 for 28 in his four overs. His spell included a key wicket of Raza and two dot balls in the death overs that stopped Zimbabwe from building momentum.

The extras (10 in total) were a concern — wides and no-balls creeping in — but Pakistan’s batting depth carried them. When the winning runs came, it wasn’t a six or a boundary. It was a single off the penultimate ball, and the stadium erupted like it was the final of a World Cup.

Why This Win Matters Beyond the Points

This wasn’t just about two points in the T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2025. It was a statement. Pakistan, still rebuilding after the retirement of several core players, showed they’ve got the mental toughness to win tight games. The ability to recover from 54 for 4 and still win with 24 balls left? That’s the mark of a mature side.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, continues to struggle with consistency. Their collapse from 91 for 1 to 147 for 8 mirrors past failures against top-tier teams — brilliant starts, poor finishes. It’s a pattern that’s haunted them for years. Against Pakistan, a team that’s improved its home security and hosting capabilities since the 2010s, they simply couldn’t close the deal.

And then there’s the venue. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hasn’t hosted a full international series since 2019. Its return as a major venue signals Pakistan’s broader push to reclaim its place on the global cricket map — a move backed by the ICC and local authorities alike.

What Comes Next? The Series Keeps Rolling

Just three days after this thriller, Pakistan crushed Zimbabwe again — this time by 69 runs in Match 4, with Usman Tariq taking 4 for 18. The message was clear: Pakistan isn’t just winning; they’re dominating. The next fixture, scheduled for November 23, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, will be a test of Zimbabwe’s resolve — and Pakistan’s ability to maintain intensity across a grueling series.

With two wins from two matches, Pakistan sits at the top of the table. Zimbabwe? Still at zero. And if they can’t fix their middle-order frailties, they might be heading home early.

Behind the Numbers: The Stats That Decided the Game

• Zimbabwe’s powerplay: 50 runs in 5.4 overs (no extras)
• Pakistan’s powerplay: 59 for 0 — the perfect start
• Zimbabwe’s collapse: 91 for 1 → 147 for 8 in 10 overs
• Pakistan’s recovery: 54 for 4 → 150 for 5 in 19.2 overs
• Key partnership: Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan — 50 runs in 33 balls
• Man of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz (2/28, 24* off 17)