ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP): Pakistan continued its’ winning streak and outplayed Zimbabwe by 69 runs in the fourth match of the T20I Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan produced a commanding batting display, as they posted 195 runs for 5 in their innings.
Pakistan were lifted by a fluent 63 off 41 balls from opener Sahibzada Farhan, who provided early momentum with clean stroke-play.
Babar Azam anchored the middle overs with an assured 74 off 52, keeping the innings stable while rotating the strike effectively. Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam put together a 103-run partnership for the second wicket.
The real late surge, however, came from Fakhar Zaman, whose explosive 27 off just 10 deliveries, featuring three towering sixes, powered Pakistan to a near-200 total.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled in the death overs, with Brad Evans proving expensive despite picking up a wicket for 59 runs while Skipper Sikandar Raza grabbed two wickets for 39 runs.
Chasing 196, Zimbabwe faltered badly as they were bowled out for 126 in 19 overs, falling short by 69 runs. After losing three early wickets, including Captain Sikandar Raza for 23 off 18, the innings never recovered.
Ryan Burl was the lone bright spark, playing a resilient knock of 67 from 49 balls. Pakistan’s bowlers applied pressure throughout the game, Usman Tariq claimed four wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz (2 wickets for 21 runs) also chipped in with important scalps to choke Zimbabwe’s run flow. Usman Tariq was declared Player of the match.