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The 4th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025-26, played on November 23, 2025, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan defeat Zimbabwe by 69 runs. Pakistan posted 195/5 after winning the toss and batting first, powered by Babar Azam’s 74 off 52 balls and Sahibzada Farhan’s 63 off 41.
Zimbabwe crumbled to 126 all out in 19 overs, with Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 67 the only resistance, while Usman Tariq’s 4/18 (including a hat-trick) sealed the collapse.
Impact on the Tournament
This victory extended Pakistan’s winning streak to five T20Is, showcasing their depth in batting (195 was their highest in the series) and bowling variety. Babar’s return to form after a lean patch bolstered team confidence, while Tariq’s hat-trick marked a breakthrough for the uncapped pacer, potentially earning him a spot in future squads.
For Zimbabwe, the top-order collapse (losing 5 wickets for 35 runs post-powerplay) exposed their over-reliance on a fragile batting unit, lacking firepower beyond the top five.
The match report highlighted how Pakistan’s total became “academic” early in the chase, as Zimbabwe’s risk-taking led to a predictable implosion.
Consequences for Teams and Series
Pakistan: Clinched qualification for the tri-series final on November 29, 2025, with three wins from three matches (6 points, NRR +2.016). This positions them as favorites, resting key players in the upcoming dead rubber while building momentum.
Zimbabwe: Slipped to 1 win and 2 losses (2 points, NRR -0.183), with the heavy defeat severely denting their net run rate. Their path to the final now hinges on a massive win against Sri Lanka on November 25 to boost NRR and points—failure could eliminate them, as Sri Lanka (0 points from 2 losses, NRR -2.679) remains mathematically alive but desperate.
Pakistan’s clinical execution—blending solidity (Babar-Farhan stand) with flair (Fakhar’s blitz and Tariq’s heroics)—underscored their status as hosts and series frontrunners, turning a potential thriller into a statement win.
Zimbabwe’s defeat, however, amplified concerns over their batting depth and inability to handle pressure chases, with Burl’s solo effort unable to mask systemic issues. As noted in post-match analysis, this wasn’t just two points for Pakistan but a NRR blow that “imperils” Zimbabwe’s campaign, setting up a tense finale to the league stage. Overall, the match reinforced Pakistan’s resurgence in T20Is while highlighting Zimbabwe’s need for urgent reinforcements.
