When Pakistan national cricket team took the field in the fourth match of the Vigotel Mobile Tri-Nation Series 2025 presented by KFC, few expected the game to become a defining moment in T20I history — but Usman Tariq had other plans. Bowling with surgical precision under pressure, the 24-year-old pace bowler ripped through Zimbabwe’s batting lineup with a career-best 4 for 18, including a stunning hat-trick — the fourth in Pakistan’s T20I history. Pakistan posted 195-5 in 20 overs, then bowled Zimbabwe out for just 126 in 19, sealing a commanding 69-run win at an undisclosed venue in the series. The victory kept Pakistan firmly atop the points table, while Zimbabwe’s campaign took another hit in a tournament they’re fighting to stay relevant in.
Powerhouse Batting Sets the Stage
Pakistan’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. After winning the toss and electing to bat, captain Salman Aliaga handed the reins to a reshuffled top order, replacing Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza with debutant Nasim Shah and Usman Tariq. The move paid off instantly. Babar Azam, playing his first T20I of the series, anchored the innings with 74 off 52 balls — seven fours and two sixes, all composed and clinical. His partner, Sahibzada Farhan, exploded with 63 off just 41, striking at 153.65 and keeping the scoreboard ticking even as wickets fell. Their 114-run partnership in 11.4 overs was the backbone of Pakistan’s total.The final five overs turned into a demolition derby. Fakhar Zaman, promoted to finish, smashed 27 not out off 10 balls — three sixes and a four — to lift Pakistan to 195. The last over alone yielded 25 runs, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers visibly fatigued and demoralized. "Everything’s coming along nicely for Pakistan," one commentator noted, as the crowd — even if unseen — could be imagined roaring.
Tariq’s Hat-Trick: A Night to Remember
Zimbabwe’s reply began with cautious intent, but the pressure mounted quickly. Usman Tariq, brought on in the 12th over, was the catalyst. His first wicket came with a sharp in-swinger that pinned Brad Evans lbw. The next ball, he trapped Richard Ngarava in front with a similar delivery — the second wicket of the over. The third? A full, swinging yorker that cleaned up Wellington Masakadza — the hat-trick complete. The stadium, if it had been full, would have erupted.It was the fourth T20I hat-trick by a Pakistani bowler — joining the likes of Mohammad Sami, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi. Tariq didn’t stop there. In his next over, he returned to claim his fourth wicket, dismissing Sikandar Raza with a clever change of pace. His final figures: 4 for 18 in four overs. The economy rate? A jaw-dropping 4.5. No one in the series had ever bowled better under such conditions.
Zimbabwe’s Fight, But No Firepower
Zimbabwe’s innings was defined by resilience, not rhythm. Captain Sikandar Raza fought hard with 23 off 18, but the middle order collapsed under the weight of Pakistan’s disciplined attack. Ryan Burl stood tall with a defiant 67 not out off 49 — eight fours and two sixes — but he was alone. The rest of the batting lineup failed to cross 15. Brian Bennett offered a brief spark with 9 off 5, but even that was overshadowed by the collapse."A sad day," one YouTube commentator remarked, referencing a recent personal loss within Zimbabwean cricket circles. While the identity of the individual wasn’t confirmed, the emotional undertone was palpable — a team still healing, still searching for identity.
What This Means for the Series
Pakistan’s win improves their record to 3-1 in the Tri-Nation Series, with a net run rate that makes them the clear favorites to clinch the title. The inclusion of young talents like Tariq and Nasim Shah signals a deliberate shift toward rebuilding for the future — not just winning now. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, despite the gritty effort from Burl and Raza, remain winless in the tournament. Their bowling attack, once feared in T20s, now looks inconsistent and undercooked.Coach Salman Aliaga praised Tariq post-match: "He’s not just a bowler — he’s a game-changer. That hat-trick? That’s the kind of moment that defines careers." The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already flagged Tariq as a potential candidate for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup squad.
Behind the Scenes: Pitch and Strategy
Though pitch details were sparse, broadcast analyst Russell Arnold noted the surface had "mosaic cracks and variable bounce," which favored spinners early — yet Pakistan’s decision to go with pace-heavy attack (Tariq, Naseem Shah, Wasim) proved inspired. Zimbabwe’s lone change — bringing in Wellington Masakadza for Graeme Kramer — was tactical, but it didn’t alter the outcome. The lack of experienced finishers in Zimbabwe’s lineup became glaring.Historically, Pakistan has dominated Zimbabwe in T20Is, winning 11 of their last 12 meetings. This match extended that streak, but with a new hero emerging from the shadows. Tariq, previously a fringe player, now stands as one of the most talked-about names in world cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was named Player of the Match, and why?
Usman Tariq was awarded Player of the Match for his career-best bowling figures of 4 for 18 in four overs, including a hat-trick — the fourth in Pakistan’s T20I history. His spell dismantled Zimbabwe’s middle order and restricted them to just 126, despite a late fight from Ryan Burl. No other bowler in the match took more than two wickets.
How does this win affect Pakistan’s chances in the Tri-Series?
With this win, Pakistan improves to 3-1 in the Vigotel Mobile Tri-Nation Series 2025, holding the top spot on net run rate. They now need just one more win to guarantee a final berth. Their batting depth and emerging pace options make them favorites, especially if Tariq continues his form.
What’s the significance of Pakistan’s fourth T20I hat-trick?
Pakistan’s fourth T20I hat-trick places them among the top three nations for most hat-tricks in the format, behind only India and South Africa. Only four bowlers in history — Mohammad Sami (2007), Haris Rauf (2021), Shaheen Afridi (2022), and now Usman Tariq — have achieved this for Pakistan. It’s a rare feat that highlights the nation’s ability to produce high-impact fast bowlers under pressure.
Why did Zimbabwe struggle in the final overs?
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack lacked variation and execution in the death overs. Their frontline pacers — Ngarava and Evans — were expensive, and spinners couldn’t contain the power hitters. After Tariq’s hat-trick, confidence collapsed. The team’s top-order failures meant they were always chasing, and their middle order lacked the aggression needed to rebuild.
Who were the key changes in Pakistan’s lineup, and did they work?
Pakistan replaced Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza with Nasim Shah and Usman Tariq. While Shah didn’t bat or bowl in the match, Tariq’s performance justified the decision entirely. His hat-trick and four-wicket haul were the defining moments, proving the selectors’ gamble paid off.
What’s next for Zimbabwe in this series?
Zimbabwe’s next match is against the third team in the tri-series, which hasn’t been named in available reports. They need a win to stay alive, but with only one win in four matches and a poor net run rate, their chances are slim. The focus now shifts to rebuilding — particularly in their death bowling and middle-order consistency — ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers.
