Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I Tri-Series 2025: Nawaz’s All-Round Brilliance Seals 5-Wicket Win
By Abhinav Team | Updated: November 18, 2025, 10:31 PM IST
Pakistan Edges a Thriller: Tri-Series Opener Goes Down to the Wire
What a start to the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025! In the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 18, 2025, Pakistan clinched a thrilling 5-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, chasing down 148 with four balls to spare. Mohammad Nawaz was the undisputed hero, snaring 2/22 with the ball and smashing an unbeaten 21 off 11 to steer the chase. Zimbabwe’s spirited fightback with the ball couldn’t quite pull off the upset, but they made Pakistan sweat. Let’s relive the key moments, scorecard, and what this means for the series featuring hosts, Zimbabwe, and New Zealand.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid dividends early. Zimbabwe raced to 59/0 in the powerplay but collapsed dramatically, losing 8 wickets for 56 runs. Pakistan’s chase hit rocks at 54/4, but a middle-order rescue act sealed the deal. With the series at 1-0, Pakistan eyes a strong start before facing New Zealand next.
Match Snapshot
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Date: November 18, 2025
- Result: Pakistan won by 5 wickets (4 balls remaining)
- Player of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz (2/22 & 21*)
Zimbabwe’s Innings: Powerplay Promise Fades to Collapse
Zimbabwe openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani gave a blazing start, racing to 59/0 in the powerplay with Bennett’s 49 off 35 (5 fours, 2 sixes) leading the charge. Marumani added 25 off 20. But Nawaz struck first with a full toss, bowling Marumani and breaking the stand.
Brendan Taylor (30 off 22) kept momentum, but a run-out triggered the slide. Bennett holed out for 49, and Pakistan’s spinners—Nawaz (2/22) and Abrar Ahmed (2/25)—ran through the middle order. Ryan Burl (15), Janith Liyanage (8), and Sadeera Samarawickrama (0) fell cheaply. Sikandar Raza’s late 34* off 23 (3 fours, 1 six) dragged them to 147/8, but it was too little. Nawaz’s cutters and Abrar’s googly were unplayable.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | 49 | 35 | 5 | 2 |
| Brendan Taylor | 30 | 22 | 3 | 1 |
| Sikandar Raza (not out) | 34 | 23 | 3 | 1 |
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Nawaz | 4 | 22 | 2 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 4 | 25 | 2 |
| Haris Rauf | 4 | 38 | 2 |
Pakistan’s Chase: From 54/4 to Victory
Chasing 148, Pakistan lost Sahibzada Farhan (10) and Babar Azam (0—LBW to Evans) early, slumping to 31/3. Salman Agha (5) fell next, making it 54/4. Enter Fakhar Zaman (44 off 28, 4 fours, 3 sixes) and Usman Khan (37 off 26, 3 fours, 1 six)—their 76-run stand revived hopes. Fakhar’s sixes off Cremer broke the shackles.
Nawaz then stole the show with 21* off 11 (2 fours, 1 six), smashing back-to-back boundaries to win. Nawaz’s composure under pressure earned him Player of the Match.
Chase Turning Points
- Evans’ Double Strike: Powerplay wickets left Pakistan reeling at 31/3.
- Fakhar-Usman Rescue: 76-run stand from 54/4 to 130/4.
- Nawaz Finisher: Unbeaten 21 off 11 sealed the 5-wicket win.
Series Context: Pakistan Eyes Clean Sweep
This tri-series (Pakistan, Zimbabwe, New Zealand) is T20 prep for global tours. Pakistan leads 1-0; next vs New Zealand on Nov 20. Zimbabwe’s bowlers impressed (Evans 2/26), but batting faltered. Pakistan’s middle order depth shone.
Player Spotlights
- Mohammad Nawaz (MoM): All-round magic—2/22 & 21* off 11.
- Brian Bennett: 49 off 35—Zim’s top scorer, but run-out hurt.
- Fakhar Zaman: 44 off 28—revived the chase with sixes.
Watch Highlights & Stay Updated
Replays on PCB YouTube; live on PTV Sports. Weather: Clear, 22°C—ideal T20 conditions.
Final Thoughts: A Tense Opener
Nawaz’s heroics saved Pakistan in a thriller. Who’ll shine next? Share predictions below!