In the opening match of the 2025 Pakistan T20I Tri‑Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, host side Pakistan national cricket team got off the mark by defeating Zimbabwe national cricket team by 5 wickets. The final score: Pakistan 151/5 in 19.2 overs chased down Zimbabwe’s 147/8. ESPN.com+2ESPN Cricinfo+2
The win provides Pakistan their first points on the board and sets a positive tone for the tournament.
Zimbabwe’s Promising Start, Then Collapse
Zimbabwe began strongly. Their openers built a rapid platform, with Brian Bennett scoring 49 off 36 and Tadiwanashe Marumani contributing around 30 off 22. Their 72-run partnership threatened to push the total to 160+ – which would have been formidable. OneCricket+1
However, after reaching 91/1 around the 11th over, Zimbabwe’s innings crumbled: they slid from 91/1 to 128/8 by the 19th over. Pakistan’s spinners and disciplined bowling triggered the collapse. ESPN.com
Key bowling figures for Pakistan included Mohammad Nawaz (2 for 22) and Abrar Ahmed (1 for 28). Nawaz’s economy and breakthroughs were central to the turnaround. India Today+1
Pakistan’s Rocky Chase, and the Middle-Order Rescue
Pakistan’s chase did not begin smoothly. They lost early wickets in the power-play: Babar Azam fell for a duck, and skipper Salman Ali Agha contributed little, leaving the hosts reeling at 54/4. AP News+1
At this critical juncture, opener Fakhar Zaman (44 off 32) steadied the innings. He partnered with Usman Khan in a 61-run stand that revived the chase. India Today+1
When Fakhar departed, Usman stayed calm and was joined by Nawaz. The latter’s brisk 20 off 12 balls, including a six and two boundaries, tilted the game decisively Pakistan’s way. A boundary with four balls remaining sealed the win. OneCricket
Key Takeaways & What It Means Going Forward
- Victory, yes — but it was far from convincing. Pakistan’s early batting frailties exposed vulnerability, reminding that this side has room to improve.
- The middle order (Fakhar, Usman, Nawaz) showed resolve and composure under pressure; that’s a positive.
- Zimbabwe’s collapse after a flying start warns that they have talent but need better finishing.
- For Pakistan, the bowling unit (especially spin options) earned praise for pulling back momentum; keeping that discipline will be key in this series and beyond.
- The pitch at Rawalpindi proved tricky – despite its reputation for high scoring, effective spin and smart batting over rhythm seemed crucial. A note for teams: start well in the power-play and avoid losing early wickets.
What to Watch Next
- Can Pakistan build on this win and gain momentum, especially given the shaky start?
- Will Zimbabwe recover their batting base and convert starts into bigger totals?
- How will the other team in the tri-series (Sri Lanka national cricket team) challenge both sides and shift the dynamics?
