Fakhar–Usman Rescue Act Seals Tight Win for Pakistan in Tri-Series Opener
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan began their T20I tri-series campaign with a gritty five-wicket win over Zimbabwe, thanks to a disciplined bowling display and a crucial recovery stand between Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing 148, Pakistan were pushed to the final over as Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout. The hosts eventually crossed the line with four balls remaining, finishing at 148/5.
Pakistan’s chase started steadily with Sahibzada Farhan (16) and Saim Ayub putting up 27 runs in the first four overs. But Brad Evans turned the momentum Zimbabwe’s way, first bowling out Farhan and then removing Babar Azam for a three-ball duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 27/2.
Things worsened when Tinotenda Maposa trapped captain Salman Ali Agha for just one, reducing Pakistan to 30/3. Saim and Fakhar attempted to rebuild, adding 24 runs before Graeme Cremer dismissed Saim for 22 off 26 balls.
With the innings wobbling, Fakhar found solid support in Usman Khan. The pair stitched together a vital 61-run partnership, keeping Pakistan in the contest. Fakhar’s 44 off 32 balls—featuring two sixes and two fours—proved invaluable before he fell to Richard Ngarava in the 16th over.
Usman then teamed up with Mohammad Nawaz to guide the home side to victory. Usman stayed unbeaten on 37 from 28 balls, while Nawaz struck a quick-fire 20* off 12 deliveries to finish the job.
Evans led Zimbabwe’s bowling effort with 2/26, while Maposa, Cremer and Ngarava picked up a wicket each.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 147/8 after being sent in to bat. Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett gave them a strong start, dominating the first seven overs. Nawaz eventually broke the stand by removing Marumani for 30 off 22 balls.
Bennett continued anchoring the innings, adding a short partnership with Brendan Taylor (14), before Taylor was run out by Babar Azam. Bennett himself departed soon after for a well-made 49 from 36 deliveries, caught and bowled by Saim Ayub.
His exit triggered a collapse, with Zimbabwe losing wickets in clusters. However, captain Sikandar Raza steadied the innings with an unbeaten 34 off 24 balls, hitting three fours and a six to push the total to a competitive score.
For Pakistan, Nawaz shone with the ball, claiming 2/22, while Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Shaheen Shah Afridi took one wicket each.
