Pakistan Defeats Zimbabwe by 5 Wickets in Thrilling T20I

Rawalpindi, Pakistan – In a thrilling finish, Pakistan won their first T20I against Zimbabwe by five wickets on November 18, 2025. After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl first, a decision they might have regretted initially.

Zimbabwe’s openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani got off to a flying start, scoring nearly ten runs an over in the first seven overs. However, their bright beginning quickly dimmed when Marumani fell for 30 runs from 22 balls in the seventh over.

Bennett followed shortly in the twelfth over, out for 49 runs, leaving Zimbabwe struggling to maintain their momentum. The team collapsed from a comfortable 94 for 3 to 143 all out, with Sikandar Raza’s 34 being the only substantial contribution following the openers’ dismissal.

Pakistan’s innings was similarly turbulent. They started well with an initial partnership of 27 runs but quickly found themselves in trouble at 54 for 4 by the tenth over. Wickets fell rapidly, with notable performances from Zimbabwe bowlers Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, and Graeme Cremer.

Despite the collapse, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan steadied the ship, building a crucial partnership. Khan showcased his batting skills, remaining unbeaten on 37 runs from 28 balls and leading Pakistan to a comfortable finish of 151 for 5 in 19.2 overs.

The victory marks a strong start for Pakistan in the Tri Series, even as their mid-innings wobble raises concerns. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will need to analyze missed chances and aim to improve in their upcoming matches.