Mohammad Nawaz, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan powered Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the tri-nation series at Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe posted 147 for eight in their 20 overs, with Brian Bennett top-scoring with 49 off 36 balls. Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed 30, while Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten on 34. Brendan Taylor and Tony Munyonga were both run out. Mohammad Nawaz claimed two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed each took one.
In reply, Pakistan reached 151 for five in 19.2 overs, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 44 off 32 balls and Usman Khan unbeaten on 37. Mohammad Nawaz remained not out on 20. Sahibzada Farhan scored 16, Saim Ayub 22 and Babar Azam was dismissed without scoring. Brad Evans took two wickets for Zimbabwe. Pakistan required just 118 balls to reach the target, winning with four deliveries to spare.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha lost the toss and opted to field. Zimbabwe began strongly, reaching 50 runs for the first wicket in 5.4 overs.
Despite a solid partnership between Bennett and Marumani, Zimbabwe lost wickets regularly in the second half of their innings. Pakistan suffered early setbacks, losing four wickets in the powerplay, but a crucial fifth-wicket stand between Zaman and Khan ensured the chase remained on track.
