Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In a commanding display, Pakistan secured its place in the T20 tri-series final with a convincing 69-run victory against Zimbabwe, highlighted by a sensational hat trick from mystery spinner Usman Tariq. This was only Tariq's second T20 match since his debut against South Africa, where he shone with figures of 4-18, leaving Zimbabwe’s batsmen in turmoil at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
After winning the toss, Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first, amassing an impressive total of 195-5 over 20 overs. Babar Azam was the standout performer with a stellar 74 runs, while Sahibzada Farhan made a significant contribution of 63 runs. Together, they formed a formidable 103-run partnership for the second wicket, showcasing their ability to conquer Zimbabwe’s bowling with impressive strokes. Even early setbacks couldn’t stop Pakistan, as Fakhar Zaman scored a brisk 27 off just 10 deliveries in the closing overs, adding crucial runs to their total.
Zimbabwe struggled to respond, losing their top order early as they stumbled to 25-3 during the power play. Usman Tariq's spin wreaked havoc in the middle overs. He dismissed Tony Munyonga caught at short fine leg and bowled Tashinga Musekiwa, before completing his hat trick with the help of Babar Azam, who took a brilliant catch off Wellington Masakadza. Zimbabwe went from 60-4 to 60-7 in just 10 overs, leaving Pakistan firmly in charge of the match.
Tariq became the fourth Pakistani bowler to achieve a T20 hat trick, joining the likes of Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Nawaz. He finished his spell by clean bowling Tinotenda Maposa with a perfectly executed googly, thrilling the home crowd. “There’s a significant process behind my bowling action. My focus is on pace and spin variations. I didn’t anticipate a big hit on the hat-trick ball, thanks to the batter,” Tariq explained after the match.
The innings of Babar and Farhan were pivotal. After an early wicket fell, the duo built a dominant partnership, skillfully tackling both Zimbabwe’s spinners and pacers. Farhan, fresh off a career-best 80 not out against Sri Lanka, scored another half-century in just 35 balls. Babar accelerated the scoring, racking up 40 runs in a mere 18 balls, thus ensuring a robust total for Pakistan to defend.
While Zimbabwe attempted to mount a comeback through captain Sikandar Raza, who took two wickets in the final overs, their efforts proved insufficient. Pakistan's fielding and disciplined bowling made it impossible for Zimbabwe to gain any rhythm. Late heroics from Fakhar Zaman, including three sixes and a boundary in the final over, confirmed the resounding 69-run victory.
This victory propels Pakistan to the tri-series final, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament. Sri Lanka, having lost their first two matches, will face Zimbabwe in a crucial match to decide the standings.
Usman Tariq's stellar performance emphasizes Pakistan’s rising prowess in the T20 format, and his hat trick is poised to be a memorable highlight of the tournament. The team's batting depth, combined with strategic bowling, positions them as strong contenders for the upcoming final.
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