On 23 November 2025, in the 4th match of the 2025 T20I Tri-Nation Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan posted 195/5 in their 20 overs and bundled out Zimbabwe for 126 (19 overs) to win by 69 runs. ESPN Cricinfo+2Cricbuzz+2
Key individual moments included:
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Babar Azam’s 74 (52) which helped set a big total. Hindustan Times+1
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Usman Tariq’s brilliant bowling (4-18) and a hat-trick as Zimbabwe tried to fight back. India Today+1
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Zimbabwe’s batting failing to recover after the early breakthroughs, despite a fighting knock from Ryan Burl (67*, 49) – still not enough. Cricbuzz+1
What Went Right for Pakistan
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Top-order firepower – Babar Azam set the tone with a fluent half-century, showing he is back in form and delivering when it counts. His contribution helped Pakistan reach a challenging total.
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Bowling execution – After posting a big total, Pakistan bowled with intent. Tariq’s hat-trick changed the game. Zimbabwe’s middle order crumbled under pressure.
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Momentum & confidence – A comprehensive win like this boosts Pakistan’s momentum in the Tri-Series, especially heading into the final stages.
What Zimbabwe Must Reflect On
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Inconsistent batting – While Ryan Burl stood out, the other batters failed to build meaningful partnerships. Once the wickets fell, the collapse was swift.
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Execution under pressure – Chasing 196 is always tough, but Zimbabwe didn’t show enough fight after the early setbacks. Pakistan applied the pressure and Zimbabwe couldn’t withstand it.
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Strategy & adaptability – Against a strong Pakistan side batting first, Zimbabwe perhaps needed a more aggressive approach early or to settle the innings with more composure.
Why This Match Matters
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This win takes Pakistan closer to the final of the tri-series, providing them a platform to build further. India Today+1
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For Zimbabwe, this match is a reality check: there are gaps to be addressed if they want to contend.
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Individual achievements matter too: Babar Azam’s performance links up with his return to form and adds to his legacy. Hindustan Times
Key Stats & Moments
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Pakistan: 195/5 in 20 overs.
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Zimbabwe: 126 all out (19 overs). ESPN Cricinfo+1
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Babar Azam: 74 off 52 balls, with 7 fours & 2 sixes. Hindustan Times
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Ryan Burl: 67* helps Zimbabwe avoid an even worse collapse. ESPN Cricinfo+1
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Usman Tariq: 4-18 & hat-trick in the 10th over. India Today+1
What To Watch Next
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Will Pakistan carry on this form into the final and convert momentum into silverware?
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Can Zimbabwe bounce back in the next match, perhaps by strengthening their batting depth and handling pressure better?
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Individual performance trajectories: Will Babar Azam maintain this level? Will Zimbabwe identify and nurture the next consistent match-winners?
Final Thoughts
This match reinforced one thing clearly: when a side executes its plan – strong batting, clever bowling, pressure application – the margin for error shrinks for the opponent. Pakistan delivered on all fronts. Zimbabwe showed glimpses of fight but ultimately couldn’t match that intensity.
For fans and analysts alike, the take-away is that even in T20 cricket — where fast starts and big hits often steal headlines — the fundamentals still count: partnerships, bowling discipline, fielding pressure, and seizing the moment.
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi was more than just a big win — it was a statement. For Pakistan, a statement of readiness. For Zimbabwe, a wake-up call.