Fakhar, Nawaz Earn Pakistan First Points in Tri-Series Opener
The tri-series opener turned into an absolute roller-coaster as Fakhar, Nawaz earn Pakistan first points in tri-series opener with a hard-fought five-wicket victory. Although Pakistan eventually won comfortably, the match was packed with twists, collapses, partnerships, and pressure moments that kept fans glued until the final over.
Zimbabwe, who looked set for a total above 180, dramatically collapsed from a blazing 91 for 1 to 147 for 8. Meanwhile, Pakistan, who stumbled early at 31 for 3, recovered strongly thanks to match-winning contributions from Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz.
Let’s break down everything that happened.
Zimbabwe Started Strong but Fell Apart
Zimbabwe came out with intent. Their openers smashed 11 fours and a six, and their run rate hovered close to ten. However, the game changed the moment Mohammad Nawaz was introduced.
What Triggered the Collapse?
Although the pitch didn’t offer much spin, Pakistan’s bowlers created pressure using tight lines and clever flight. As a result:
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Zimbabwe went from 91/1 in the 11th over
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To 128/8 in the 19th over
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Losing 7 wickets for 37 runs
Key Reasons for Zimbabwe’s Collapse
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Constant dot-ball pressure
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Excellent spells from Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub
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Panic running leading to two run-outs
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Failure to rotate strike in the middle overs
Despite the meltdown, Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 34 off 24 prevented the innings from becoming a complete disaster.
Nawaz Completely Changed the Momentum
Even though Nawaz took only two wickets, his influence was much larger. His economy rate of 5.50 was the best among bowlers who completed four overs.
Why Was Nawaz the Standout Bowler?
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He bowled quicker and more accurately
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He forced Zimbabwe batters to make mistakes
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He provided breakthroughs exactly when Pakistan needed them
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He did not allow Zimbabwe to rebuild after each wicket
Furthermore, his dismissal of Marumani and Burl opened the gates for Pakistan’s dominance.
Zimbabwe Seamers Shock Pakistan in the Powerplay
When Pakistan started their chase, Zimbabwe struck back brilliantly. Their seamers bowled with fire and discipline, removing key batters early.
Pakistan’s Early Trouble
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Sahibzada Farhan – Out
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Babar Azam – Out
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Salman Agha – Out
All within the first six overs.
As a result, by the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 31 for 3, and the required run rate climbed sharply.
Even in the next few overs, scoring remained difficult. When Saim Ayub fell to Graeme Cremer in the 10th over, Pakistan’s chase was hanging by a thread.
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Fakhar Zaman Begins the Rescue Act
Returning to T20Is, Fakhar Zaman played a mature innings. He didn’t just attack blindly. Instead, he rebuilt gradually, playing risk-free cricket before opening up.
Fakhar’s Key Contributions
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Scored 44 off 32 balls
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Stabilised Pakistan’s innings
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Added 61 crucial runs with Usman Khan
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Attacked only after settling in
His calculated approach kept Pakistan afloat.
Usman Khan Shows Class and Composure
Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 37 off 28*, guiding Pakistan when they needed someone reliable in the middle order.
Why Usman’s Innings Was Crucial
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He rotated the strike smartly
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He didn’t allow Zimbabwe’s spinners to dominate
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He ensured the required rate never went out of control
Usman’s calmness under pressure gave Pakistan the stability they desperately needed.
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Nawaz Finishes the Job with the Bat
Already Pakistan’s best bowler, Nawaz delivered again—this time with the bat. When he arrived, the chase was still tricky.
But:
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He scored 20 off 12 balls
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Hit 1 six and 2 fours
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Kept the momentum going
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Finished the match with a boundary and 4 balls to spare
Interestingly, he was dropped on 9 by Brian Bennett— a moment that could have completely changed the match.
Score Summary
Zimbabwe – 147 for 8
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Bennett – 49
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Raza – 34*
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Nawaz – 2/22
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Evans – 2/26 (when bowling to Pakistan)
Pakistan – 151 for 5
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Fakhar Zaman – 44
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Usman Khan – 37*
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Nawaz – 20*
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Zimbabwe seamers dominated early, but Pakistan middle order recovered
Why This Match Was a Perfect Example of T20 Drama
This game had everything:
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A flying start
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A collapse
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Middle-overs struggle
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Big partnerships
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Missed catches
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Last-over tension
Therefore, fans loved the unpredictability, and Pakistan celebrated their first points in the tri-series, thanks to teamwork and a composed middle-order recovery.
FAQs
1. Why did Zimbabwe collapse after such a strong start?
Because Pakistan spinners built pressure with dot balls, forcing mistakes and two run-outs.
2. What was the turning point of the match?
Mohammad Nawaz’s first wicket triggered Zimbabwe’s collapse and changed momentum completely.
3. Who was Pakistan’s best batter?
Fakhar Zaman played the most stabilising innings, while Usman Khan anchored till the end.
4. Did Pakistan struggle during the chase?
Yes, they were 31/3 and the required rate crossed nine before the middle-order repaired the innings.
5. Could Zimbabwe have won?
Yes! Bennett dropped Nawaz at a crucial moment. Had he caught it, the match could have gone down to the wire.
