HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan 2025, 4 T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for Zimbabwe's response with the bat. The Pakistani players scatter out of the huddle and take their spots on the field. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett walk out to open for the Chevrons. Naseem Shah has the new ball and is raring to go. A slip in place. Brian to face. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Okay then, Zimbabwe have a huge mountainous task to complete. They will have to bat out of their skins to achieve this target. Is it tough? Absolutely not. But challenging, sure. 194 is the highest successful run chase at Rawalpindi, so it's almost in that territory. And for scaling it, Zimbabwe will have to produce a strong opening partnership. Also, their fragile middle order will need to step up and reduce the load from Sikandar Raza's shoulders. Pakistan will be eyeing three wins in as many matches and confirm their finale spot. Back in a bit with the chase very shortly.

Pakistan's Babar Azam is up for a quick chat. He says that today it felt like the Pindi pitch they generally know and the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Adds that he and Farahn focused on not just hitting boundaries but building a big stand as well. Reckons that after the first 6 overs, you get a clearer picture of what kind of a total is suitable on the track, as early on there is a bit of help for the seamers as well. Also adds that the weather does also play a part in the surface playing differently but believes that as a batter, you need to be prepared to play in any conditions.

Despite a quiet phase, Zimbabwe couldn't break this partnership. Their spinners were a bit too flat and quick on occasion. Pakistan's greatest asset during this phase was the manner in which Babar and Farhan consistently rotated the strike, accumulating singles and doubles even when boundaries dried up. The partnership flourished to 103 before Raza finally dismissed Sahibzada. Babar subsequently rediscovered his touch and began dispatching deliveries with authority. His excellent knock of 72 eventually ended during the closing stages. Pakistan slipped a bit towards the backend, from 144/2 to 167/5, but Fakhar Zaman came out all guns blazing and with his breezy cameo of 27 off just 10 balls, Pakistan managed to post 195 on the board.

Confidence is a tonic, and Farhan had it all. He was effortless in finding the gaps even after the restrictions were lifted. After having the worst Powerplay with the ball in this series, Zimbabwe tried a few tricks and took the pace off to deceive the batters on a slowish kind of a track, but remained elusive from wickets. Babar wasn't at his fluent best, and it showed as he struggled to time the ball well initially. But with wickets in hand, and the run rate still above 8 an over, it was all set up for a strong finish in the second half.

There was just a bit of microscopic movement early doors, but nothing extravagant to trouble the batters. Farhan got off the blocks instantly and so did Saim Ayub, but after a couple of consecutive sixes, Ayub's inning was cut short by Evans. Farhan, in particular, kept the aggressive intent and led the act with some scintillating hits. Babar took his time to settle in, in his usual fashion. But Pakistan ended their Powerplay on a high with 53/1 on the board.

A very, very strong finish for Pakistan. 69 runs in the last five overs, with 25 coming off the final over alone. This was one of those kinds of days when you just don't want to be a bowler. Every Pakistani batter who came to the crease, took apart the Zimbabwean bowling unit one by one. An absolute carnage is what it was, and this is the highest first inning total in this Tri-Series. The average score while batting first is around 150 mark, so Pakistan have finished well above that figure. A rather disappointing bowling display from Zimbabwe, who were so good in their first two matches.

Brad Evans to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! Rubbing salt onto the wounds and Fakhar Zaman has raked up 25 runs in the final over. Brad Evans loses his mark and serves a juicy full toss, angling it into the pads. Zaman effortlessly whips it over deep square leg for a biggie, the third one in the over and Pakistan end with a mammoth total of 195/5 on the board.

Brad Evans to Fakhar Zaman, No ball! Straight to the man in the deep, but hang on, the siren is going off. We all know what that means. Brad Evans has bowled a front foot no ball and Sikandar Raza is in disbelief. This is bowled full and straight, but in the slot. Fakhar Zaman fails to get under it and heaves it down to long on where Wellington Masakadza takes a simple catch. However, Zaman will now have a Free Hit to go aftr.

Brad Evans to Fakhar Zaman, A rare dot in the over. Slower one around off, bowled into the deck. Fakhar Zaman looks to pull it leg side but nearly gets chopped on.

Brad Evans to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! Fakhar Zaman is on a roll and what a catch that is from the ball boy. Length ball on the pads, Fakhar swings it away off the legs, not quite off the middle of the bat but still, the ball sails over the fielder at deep backward square leg.

Brad Evans to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Wow, the bowler will feel so unlucky there but well done to Fakhar Zaman. Full and straight, not quite in the blockhole, and Zaman somehow squeezes it away wide of fine leg, and the ball races away into the fence.

Brad Evans to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! That's outta here! Slower one, short and outside off. Fakhar Zaman is waiting for it, and he just hangs back before fetching the ball and clobbering it well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Brad Evans to Fakhar Zaman, A low full toss on middle, angling in, Fakhar Zaman steps out and hammers it flat to the right of deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.

Righto, Brad Evans to deliver the final over of the first innings. 3-0-34-1 are his bowling figures so far.

Richard Ngarava to Salman Agha, Excellent delivery and an excellent 19th over from Richard Ngarava. A quick bumper from around the wicket and around off, this one angles in. Salman Agha looksto ramp it away but is beaten for pace. Just 5 runs and a wicket off it.

Richard Ngarava to Fakhar Zaman, A slower bumper now, around off, Zaman reaches for it and angles it down to deep third for just a single.

Richard Ngarava to Fakhar Zaman, DROPPED! An acrobatic effort from Sikandar Raza but the catch goes down and maybe, just maybe, the dive was mistimed from Raza. Full and angled into leg stump, Fakhar Zaman steps out and converts it into a low full toss, smacking it wide to the left of long on. Raza is quick to scamper across and puts in the dive but barely manages to get a hand on it. Two taken.

Richard Ngarava to Fakhar Zaman, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and over off, skids off the deck, Fakhar Zaman backs away to go over point but is well beaten.

Fakhar Zaman is in at number 7.

Richard Ngarava to Mohammad Nawaz, OUT! CAUGHT! Wickets continue to tumble at the death for Pakistan and Zimbabwe won't mind that at all. Richard Ngarava bowls a fuller ball on off and middle and tries to slide it in towards the pads. Mohammad Nawaz doesn't quite get the front leg out of the way and heaves it down to a wide deep mid-wicket. Brad Evans once again settles himself inside the ropes and pouches it safely. Mohammad Nawaz departs on a run-a-ball 4, and from 144/2, Pakistan have slipped a bit down to 167/5.

Richard Ngarava to Mohammad Nawaz, Slower one, banged in halfway down the deck and over middle. Mohammad Nawaz goes for the pull but gets a top edge that floats over short fine leg. Tadiwanashe Marumani gives chase and does well to stop the boundary. The fielder from short third helps him out and it will only be a brace.

Last 2 overs to go then. Can Pakistan get past 190? Richard Ngarava (3-0-29-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

Sikandar Raza to Mohammad Nawaz, On the shorter side and outside off, Nawaz presses back and taps it past point for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Salman Agha, Flighted ball, outside off, skewed away off the outside half of the blade through backward point for a single.

The Pakistani skipper and the birthday boy, Salman Agha, walks in at number 6.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, OUT! CAUGHT! Smartly bowled and Sikandar Raza yet again gets the last laugh. However, Babar Azam will feel he's done his job. Raza takes a bit of pace off the delivery and serves it fuller at the stumps. Babar sits down for the slog sweep but gets a lot of height on it and not enough distance. Brad Evans at deep square leg moves to his right, settles himself just inside the ropes and takes a good catch under pressure. Babar departs for 74 (52) and Pakistan are now 163/4!

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, Offers a bit more air and bowls it full on off, Babar goes for the heave but gets an inside edge past leg stump. The short fine leg fielder chases it down and the batters pick up two runs.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, SIX! Quick wrists from Babar Azam and he's stormed into the 70s now. Bowled very quick and short on middle, Babar swings it away behind square leg and the ball sails over the ropes.

Sikandar Raza to Mohammad Nawaz, Shortish length outside off, tapped away through point for a single.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, FOUR! Babar Azam seems to have got his 'mojo' back. Full and straight, it ends up being a low full toss and Babar hammers it straight back past the bowler, to the left of long on and collects another boundary.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, SIX! That's a fine shot! Fractionally short over middle, Babar Azam stands tall and heaves it over cow corner for a six.

Mohammad Nawaz is in at number 5.

Brad Evans to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! FAHEEM ASHRAF IS RUN OUT! Excellent fielding in the deep and just a bit of hesitation between the batters brings about another wicket for Zimbabwe. Brad Evans bowls it on a length and angles it into the stumps. Faheem Ashraf picks it up and clubs it to the left of long on and the batters pick up a single. However, Sikandar Raza is quick to get to the ball and, even as he is off-balanced, fires in a good throw at the bowler's end. The batters think about the second but Babar sends Ashraf back. He has to turn back but is stranded halfway, and Evans whips off the bails to complete the run out.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Slower again, back of a length and on leg, Babar Azam shuffles across to play the lap shot but doesn't get the pace and just mistimes it wide of short fine leg for a single.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, FOUR! Up and over the bowler! Slower one, on a length and outside off, Babar takes a step to the off side and smacks it straight back down the ground for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Swing and a miss! Banged in on a hard length and outside off, Babar Azam hangs back in the crease and throws the kitchen sink at it, but the ball seams away and beats the bat.

Brad Evans (2-0-18-1) returns into the attack. He replaces Richard Ngarava.

Sikandar Raza to Faheem Ashraf, Aerial but safe! Full and quick, angled into the legs. Faheem Ashraf picks it up and heaves it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Despite the wicket, 12 runs come off the over.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, Shortish length around middle, Babar taps it across through mid-wicket for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Faheem Ashraf, Good running! Flatter one, sliding it down leg, Ashraf misses the flick and the ball clips the pads, rolling down to fine leg. The fielder at long leg runs across to his left and cuts it off but the batters pick up three leg byes.

Sikandar Raza to Faheem Ashraf, Comes around the wicket to the left-hander and bowls it round-arm. The ball keeps low and Faheem Ashraf jams it to the right of silly mid on. Babar Azam wanted a single but Ashraf rightly sent him back.

Faheem Ashraf is in at number 4.

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Six and Out for Sahibzada Farhan and Sikandar Raza has his revenge. Raza uses all of his experience and his variation as he bowls this one seam-up and darts it in towards the off stump. Farhan hangs back in the crease and looks to whack it leg side but is beaten for pace and the ball smashes into the off pole. Back-to-back solid knocks from Sahibzada Farhan as he departs for 63 (41) as Zimbabwe finally get their second wicket.

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! That's been belted away! Fired in a bit full and wide outside off, Sahibzada Farhan sits down, reaches out and slams it back over the bowler's head for a 92-meter biggie. The 100-run stand is also up between these two.

5 overs to go in the first innings and Sikandar Raza brings himself back on.

Richard Ngarava to Babar Azam, BEATEN! Cuts back into the batter sharply, on a length, on top of off. Babar Azam is cramped up for space as he lines up to cut it square on the off side. The ball nearly brushed the top of off on its way to the keeper.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, Slower one from Ngarava, outside off, on a fuller length. Sahibzada Farhan drills it down to long off for a single. The partnership is now worth 97 runs!

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, On a back of a length, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan uses his wrists to knock it to the right of long on for a couple of runs.

Richard Ngarava to Babar Azam, FIFTY FOR BABAR AZAM! 38th T20I half century for him to go with 3 centuries. The Pakistani dugout and the Pindi crowd loves it, and why not? They are up on their feet to appreciate this knock of his. Didn't look at his fluent best initially, but kept milking ones and twos and grew in conviction. This is on a good length, around off, Babar Azam waits back and punches it to deep extra cover for a single. Just a calm raise of the bat to soak in the applause from the Pakistani faithful. This will do a world of good for his confidence moving forward.

Richard Ngarava to Babar Azam, A bit too straight, down leg, on a length. Babar Azam tries to tickle it fine, but misses.

Richard Ngarava to Babar Azam, FOUR! Babar moves on to 49! He is starting to time the ball really well now. Short from Richard, on top of the stumps, Babar Azam transfers the weight on the back foot and pulls it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Excellently placed! A real freebie as this is short and outside off. Farhan gets the desired width, goes on the back foot and has ample time to punch it through extra cover for a boundary. No chance for deep point to cut it off to his right. Dear me, this is looking very ominous for Zimbabwe.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, Dropped short, on off, Sahibzada Farhan waits back and punches it back to the bowler.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Flat and full, on middle, clipped away to deep square leg for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, FIFTY FOR SAHIBZADA FARHAN! His 7th T20I half century and back-to-back fifties in this tri-series. Fuller one, on off, Sahibzada Farhan leans forward and drives it along the carpet to long off for a single to get to his milestone.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Full, outside off, pushed to the right of cover for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, Shortish delivery, around off, Sahibzada Farhan hangs back and taps it with soft hands and gets a single in front of extra cover. Nelson on the board.

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, Full and quick, this is drilled down to long on for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, At the stumps, flatter trajectory, Farhan dances down the track to go inside out, but loses his shape completely. He gets an inside edge and the ball rolls through mid-wicket for a couple more.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, Full and on the stumps, Babar works it all along the ground to long on for an easy single.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, FOUR! Threads the gap to near perfection! Very quick and flat, on middle. Babar Azam flicks it off the middle of the bat and bisects the two fielders of deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, FOUR! Babar says, Thank you! Quicker and into the slot, on off. Babar Azam reads the length well and slogs it powerfully over long on for a six. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN IN 12.2 OVERS!

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, A slingy delivery from Raza, around off at a lower trajectory. Sahibzada Farhan flat bats it down to long off for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter and shorter, outside off. Sahibzada Farhan goes deep inside the crease and cuts it to sweeper cover for a single. 14 off the last 2 overs for Pakistan, without any boundaries.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Fuller, on middle and leg, Azam eases it through mid on for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Excellent running between the wickets! Not that full from Wellington. On a good length, around the leg stump. Babar Azam flicks it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, The stumps are attacked again, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan rocks back and nudges it to long on for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Fractional short of full, on middle, Babar Azam works it down to long on for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Another example of good running. Full and on the stumps, Babar flicks it wide of deep mid-wicket and collects two runs.

Just the solitary over for Ryan Burl and Wellington Masakadza is brought back into the attack.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, Keeps the stumps into play, does Raza. This is on a length, Babar Azam hangs back and uses his wrists to turn it through mid-wicket for a single. So, six singles off the over.

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, Nice and full, on middle, wristed away to widish long on for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, On a length, on middle, knocked off the back foot to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, Excellent commitment in the deep by Ryan Burl! Very full and on the leg stump line. Sahibzada Farhan smashes it down the ground. Babar Azam does well to sway away from the firing line. The ball rolls to the left of long on where Ryan Burl cuts it off with a dive. Two taken.

Sikandar Raza to Babar Azam, Touch full and on middle and leg, flicked off the front foot to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Sikandar Raza to Sahibzada Farhan, Stump-to-stump, on a length, sliding into the leg stump. Farhan whips it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. A quiet phase in terms of boundaries and sixes. But these two have ensured to keep the scorecard ticking. 30 runs have come after the end of the Powerplay. And more importantly, the hosts haven't lost a wicket as this stand is blossoming nicely. Babar Azam hasn't looked at his fluent best so far, but Sahibzada Farhan's confident presence at the other end has ensured they don't get into a cave. Pakistan will feel they are at a comfortable position with the way they are going. Zimbabwe need wickets as quickly as possible. And for doing so, Sikandar Raza brings himself into the attack after the hydration break.

Ryan Burl to Sahibzada Farhan, Nice and full, on off, punched down to long on for a single.

Ryan Burl to Sahibzada Farhan, A slight fumble in the deep and the batters pick up an extra run as well. Another low full toss outside off, Sahibzada Farhan drives it wide of long off, where the fielder misfields and the batters race back for two runs. Ryan Burl lets out a frustrated grunt but the delivery wasn't the best either.

Ryan Burl to Babar Azam, Flatter again, at the stumps and staying low, Babar jams it firmly towards wide long on and picks up a single.

Ryan Burl to Babar Azam, Quicker one, bowled a tad full and outside off, Babar cuts it away but straight to cover-point.

Ryan Burl to Babar Azam, FOUR! That was there to be put away and Babar Azam makes no mistake. Short over middle, enough time for Babar to just wait back and pull it hard towards cow corner for a boundary. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Farhan and Babar.

Ryan Burl to Sahibzada Farhan, TWO WIDES! Full and well wide of the off stump, left alone by Farhan. Brendan Taylor is unable to collect it cleanly on the half volley and concedes a single as the ball rolls to short third.

Ryan Burl to Babar Azam, Starts with a low full toss on off, Babar simply drives it down to long off and rotates strike.

This has been a nice little phase for Zimbabwe as the run rate has dipped a bit. The last three overs have gone for just 19 runs. Actually, the bowlers seem to have understood that taking the pace off the bowl is the trick on this kind of a wicket. Here's spinner number two for the Chevrons in the form of Ryan Burl. Wonder when will Raza bring himself into the attack.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Floated up on a fullish length outside off, Babar leans on and pushes it into the off side for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Flighted on middle and leg, not all that full, Babar Azam goes down to sweep but miscues it to the right of short fine leg. The fielder over there dives across and makes a half stop, allowing the batters to run two runs.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, Tossed up, full and on off, Farhan leans on and strokes it through mid off for another single.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Dragged length on off and middle, Babar comes down the pitch and eases it down to long on for one more.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter one at the stumps, keeps a shade low as well, Farhan rocks back and pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, This is floated up, full and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan goes down on one knee and looks for the big heave but gets an inside edge. The ball goes past the stumps and down to fine leg as the batters pick up a brace.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, The bowler gets away with one here. Slower again, but shorter and down leg, Babar Azam misses out as he mistimes the pull and hits it straight to short fine leg.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, Even slower this time, very full and just angles down leg. Babar Azam misses the tickle and no wide is called either, according to the new rules. That wasn't far away from the leg stump.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sahibzada Farhan, Pace off, fuller and angled into the pads, Farhan pushes it away towards mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sahibzada Farhan, The call is for two and they get it with ease. Shortish length, tucked away off the hips and wide of short fine leg for a couple of runs more.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Hammered away! Banged in short over middle, doesn't bounce much and just sits up for the batter. Sahibzada Farhan rolls his wrists over the ball and pulls it to the right of deep square leg for a boundary.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, Takes pace off and bowls it a bit fuller around off, Babar waits back and nudges it wide of short third for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa (2-0-12-0) is back on, replacing Richard Ngarava.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Tossed up, full and outside off, Babar Azam eases this one between point and covers and picks up another single.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Nice and full, around middle, Babar leans on to defend.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, Drops it short and bowls it outside off, Sahibzada Farhan makes room and taps it past point for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, Fractionally short and around off, Farhan backs away again and hammers it but straight to cover.

Wellington Masakadza to Sahibzada Farhan, The arm-ball, bowls it fuller on off and gets it to skid back into the right-hander. Farhan manages to block it off.

Wellington Masakadza to Babar Azam, Quick and flat, outside off, slapped away to deep covers for a single.

Excellent Powerplay for Pakistan. They were at an identical score against Sri Lanka after six overs. A change in bowling as the restrictions are lifted. Here's Wellington Masakadza. He replaces Brad Evans.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, Hard length, angled in from outside off, Farhan stabs it into the off side. Pakistan are 53/1 after the Powerplay.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! That's too loose from Ngarava. Too short and too wide, Sahibzada Farhan gets up on his toes and slaps it over point for a biggie. The 50 is up for Pakistan inside the Powerplay.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, Pitches the ball full of a good length and bowls it slower at the stumps, Farhan backs away but ends up jabbing it back to the bowler. Richard Ngarava keeps Farhan honest as he picks up the ball and threatens to throw it back at the batter.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! That's a bit unfortunate for the bowler. Dug in well short and right at the batter, Sahibzada Farhan backs away a bit and swings at it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over fine leg for a six.

Richard Ngarava to Babar Azam, Back of a length, brings the line closer to the off stump, Babar jams it away in front of covers and collects a single.

Richard Ngarava to Babar Azam, Good fielding! Short of a length and wide outside off, Babar stands tall and smacks it square into the off side but the man at cover-point makes a sharp stop.

Richard Ngarava (1-0-8-0) is back into the attack. He replaces Tinotenda Maposa.

Brad Evans to Sahibzada Farhan, Sliding onto the leg stump line, on a length. Sahibzada Farhan uses the pace and tickles it toward short fine leg off the back foot.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Good running! Full and angling at the pads. Babar Azam flicks it through the mid-wicket and square leg gap. There is a huge real estate in the deep and a lot of ground to cover for the deep square leg fielder, to his left. By the time the ball is cut off, the batters hustle back for the third.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Back of a length with the stumps on attack, Babar Azam blocks it right under the bat.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Swing and a miss! Angles in and then straightens up, full and on off, Babar Azam lines up to hit it down the ground, but gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Lands on the seam, and skids through from a good length, on middle. Babar Azam is watchful as he bunts it down the pitch.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Touch full and nipping away from off, Babar Azam plays it a bit uppishly through cover for a couple of runs.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sahibzada Farhan, Oh, that took ages to arrive! A deceptive leg cutter from Maposa, at just 96 kph. Fractionally fuller and outside off, it doesn't bounce much and nips away. Sahibzada Farhan is months early to knock it into the off side, but misses.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, Tails in slightly from off, on a good length. Babar Azam whips off the inner half of the blade to deep square leg and rotates the strike.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, Overpitched on off, Babar gets on the front foot and drives off the toe end of the bat to mid off.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, Much closer to the stumps, on a good length, Babar Azam presses forward and blocks it off the front foot.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, FOUR! Gets it through this time! A bit too full, around the fourth-fifth stump line. Babar Azam takes a big stride forward and crisply drives it between the mid off and cover gap for a boundary.

Tinotenda Maposa to Babar Azam, Timed crisply, but gets no reward. Fullish delivery, outside off, Babar cracks the cover drive, but the fielder dives to his right and cuts it off nicely.

Brad Evans to Sahibzada Farhan, The umpire's call saves Sahibzada Farhan! On a good length by Evans, and this skids through while jagging back into the batter, on middle. Farhan gets across the line and tries to nudge it to the leg side, but he plays all over the wrong line and gets rapped on the front pad. There is a huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Sikandar Raza takes the review straightaway. UltraEdge detects nothing when the ball is close to the inside edge. Ball Tracking shows the ball clipping the top of middle and leg stumps on the umpire's call. NOT OUT and the on-field decision is upheld.

Zimbabwe have taken the DRS for an LBW call and the third umpire is called in. There's nothing on UltraEdge to begin with. Ball Tracking shows the wickets as 'Umpire's call,' which means Sahibzada Farhan will survive. It stays NOT OUT but Zimbabwe don't lose the review.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Outside off and full, nipping away a shy bit. Babar Azam flashes hard at it, but he is not up to the pitch of the ball and gets a thick leading edge towards deep third for a single. Babar is off the mark, in a bit of a streaky fashion.

Brad Evans to Babar Azam, Around off, on a length, blocked off the back foot by Babar.

Babar Azam walks in at number 3.

Brad Evans to Saim Ayub, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Saim Ayub holes out in the deep and Evans gets his first wicket. Evans bangs it short and around the off stump line. Saim Ayub again shuffles a bit across and tries to clear deep square leg with a pull shot. But he mistimes the shot, probably because of the ball getting a bit heavy on him. The ball goes high off the bat and sails towards Wellington Masakadza at deep square leg. He moves a bit to his right and judges the trajectory well and takes a good diving catch. Saim Ayub departs for 13 (8) and Pakistan are 29/1.

Brad Evans to Saim Ayub, SIX! Two in two for Saim! Outside off on a good length. Saim Ayub goes across the stumps and uses the pace of the bowler before pulling it cleanly over deep fine leg for another six. Geez, that is some shot.

Brad Evans to Saim Ayub, SIX! Welcome to the attack, Evans! Brad serves it full and on off, Saim Ayub advances forward and smashes it down the ground for half a dozen.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Excellent shot! A juicy full delivery, swinging gently away from the batter. Sahibzada Farhan leans on the front foot and creams it through the extra cover region and finds the fence for four runs.

Tinotenda Maposa to Saim Ayub, Had to really hurry there! A low full toss, angling away from off. Saim Ayub goes across the stumps and flicks it to mid-wicket. Rushes through for a single and has to hurry as Sikandar Raza is quick to get rid of the ball from that position. However, he misses his shy at the bowler's end. Had the throw hit, Ayub would have been in deep trouble.

Tinotenda Maposa to Saim Ayub, WIDE! Down the leg side, short in length. Saim Ayub gets inside the line to glance it away, but misses.

Tinotenda Maposa to Saim Ayub, On a nagging length, moving away from off, Saim Ayub works it to the cover region. He is keen to get a single but Farhan is not interested at all. Sends him back.

Tinotenda Maposa to Saim Ayub, Way too full, on middle, Ayub shovels it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Tinotenda Maposa to Saim Ayub, WIDE! Sprays one down leg, on a good length. Saim misses to whip that through square leg, but misses. Wide called.

Tinotenda Maposa to Saim Ayub, Nice and full, angling across the batter, Saim carves it away, but finds the fielder at extra cover.

Tinotenda Maposa to Saim Ayub, BEATEN! Lovely start from Maposa! Swings right across the southpaw, on a good length, just around off. Saim Ayub covers the stumps and tries to block it from the initial line, but the ball beats the outside edge by a whisker.

Tinotenda Maposa to operate from the other end.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, Short again, on middle. Sahibzada Farhan pulls it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a couple of more runs. 10 off the first over.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, Short of a good length, on the bodyline. Sahibzada Farhan mistimes the pull shot off the splice of the bat, through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, EDGED, FOUR! Lucky escape for Farhan! Jags back in from middle on a good length. Sahibzada Farhan charges down the track to slash it away, but gets into a very awkward shape and inside edges it through short fine leg and gets a boundary.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, A huge appeal for LBW, but possibly going over the sticks. The umpire shakes his head. Ngarava generates extra bounce from a good length, on the leg stump line. It cuts back into the batter sharply and cramps Sahibzada for room. Farhan plays from the crease and looks to nudge it across, but the ball beats the bat and thuds the thigh pad. It runs behind through the slip cordon and they cross for a two leg byes.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, Hard length, on the leg stump, Sahibzada Farhan is hurried on the back foot and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Richard Ngarava to Sahibzada Farhan, Richard starts with a length ball with just a microscopic inward shape, on off. Sahibzada Farhan weighs on the back foot and slashes it hard, but straight to extra cover.

All in readiness for the game to begin. The two umpires are the first ones to make their way out to the middle, followed by the players of Zimbabwe. It will be the duo of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan to open the innings for Pakistan. Richard Ngarava has the new ball in hand and he is raring to go. Let's play...

Tadiwanashe Marumani is down for a quick chat. Marumani says that he just tries to keep it simple and react to what's happening out there. Adds that his mentality is to just go out and score for the team. Mentions that as an opener with Bennett, the blueprint is to score at least 50-60 runs in the Powerplay, and also keep in mind how the pitch is playing. Admits that he expected the wicket to be a bit easier to bat on, but admits that conditions have been a bit tricky.

PITCH REPORT - Former Sri Lankan all-rounder, Russel Arnold, is pitchside. He says that the wicket is looking tired and dry and reckons that the spinners will come into play more. Feels that the pacers need to hit the deck rather than bowl full and adds that the best time to bat is with the new ball and ends by saying that Pakistan will be eyeing a total of around 155-160.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, and Wellington Masakadza (In for Graeme Cremer).

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah (In for Salman Mirza), and Usman Tariq (In for Abrar Ahmed).

The captain of Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, says that they came into this Tri-series to derail every team. Highlights that the first game against Pakistan was pretty good, and the result followed against Sri Lanka. Adds that they wanted to bowl first and challenge themselves. Informs that they have one rotational change as they wanted to give everyone a go. Ends by saying Wellington Masakadza replaces Graeme Cremer.

The captain of Pakistan, Salman Agha, says that they will bat first as it still looks like a good wicket to bat on, and they have chased in the last two games, and hence would like to bat first. Adds that Zimbabwe have been playing some good cricket, but they just want to focus on themselves. Mentions that the game against Sri Lanka was near perfect, and they would like to continue in the same way. On playing on his birthday, Salman says that he simply wants to do well in the match and nothing else.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Pakistan and the birthday boy, Salman Agha, elects to BAT first.

Rawalpindi is usually an express highway for batting, the kind of surface where bowlers show up knowing they are in for a long day. But this time around? The average first innings score is stuck below 150, which tells you the pitch has some bite. Bowlers are getting something out of it, especially when defending under lights. Both Pakistan and Zimbabwe have bowling attacks that are breathing fire right now, so you have to wonder how the batters are going to handle the pressure. A win will seal the finale spot for Pakistan, whereas if Zimbabwe come up trumps this time around, it will force all teams to go another mile to confirm their respective berth. It's shaping up to be an exciting game. Toss and teams coming up next very shortly. Stay tuned.

Zimbabwe pushed Pakistan to the brink in their opener, then went full savage mode and actually took down Sri Lanka in their last outing. Here's where they have been different from Pakistan. Their Powerplay bowling is locked in tight, keeping it under a run-a-ball in both games. That's genuinely impressive when you're up against higher-ranked teams with way more resources and talent depth. Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava have been relentless with the ball and need to keep that momentum rolling. Brian Bennett's bat has been hot, but the middle order? Still all over the place. Most of the pressure keeps falling on skipper Sikandar Raza to bail them out, and that's a dangerous game to keep playing.

It’s a quick turnaround for Pakistan after they decimated Sri Lanka the other day. Their batting lineup has been a trainwreck, with only Salman Agha and Sahibzada Farhan showing up when it matters. The rest? Ghost mode. The largely talked criticism for them has been not being able to keep up with the pace of modern-day T20I format, and also not playing a perfect game of cricket. Their bowling attack is absolutely carrying this team. Two games, two chases, and both times they've suffocated opponents under 150, with Mohammad Nawaz being an absolute menace with the ball. If only they could tighten up a bit in the Powerplay with the ball, they could be dangerous.

The world is wrapped up in red-ball cricket, but Rawalpindi is marching to its own beat with this T20I Tri-Series grinding forward. Match number 4 is upon us and it carries serious weight. Pakistan take on Zimbabwe again in a reverse fixture, except this time there is way more riding on it. Win here and you control your destiny. Lose and you are sweating bullets heading into the final round. The margins are razor thin. Welcome to the coverage. It’s always a pleasure.

... MATCH DAY ...

The tri-series in Rawalpindi marches on with the fourth match featuring hosts Pakistan and Zimbabwe. It is the reverse fixture between these sides who are coming off respective victories in their previous games. In the series opener, Pakistan demonstrated their strength with a commanding victory over the visitors. However, the dynamics of this contest have significantly shifted. Zimbabwe enters this match riding a huge wave of confidence, having completely dismantled Sri Lanka in their previous outing. This performance has underscored their capability to spring major surprises and compete fiercely against teams with greater exposure and experience. The Chevrons will be eager to translate this positive momentum into a tangible result, aiming to level the ledger against their hosts. This will mark the 23rd T20I meeting between the two sides. While Pakistan currently holds a slight edge in recent history, leading 3-2 in the last five encounters, the current form of both teams suggests a much tighter, hard-fought contest is on the cards. Even in their opening fixture, the Zimbabwean bowlers led by Richard Ngarava controlled the Powerplay overs. So far, they have picked up 5 wickets inside the fielding restrictions in both matches played, and have conceded just 56 runs. Brad Evans has brilliantly stepped up as in Zimbabwe’s front like of attack whereas Maposa and Cremer have been the bright spots. Batting-wise, their opening combo of Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani have played a consistent hand, fortifying the top order, but still, the middle order relies heavily on the shoulders of skipper Sikandar Raza. This is the key area where their focus of improvement must be upon before taking the field for this game. Pakistan, meanwhile, isn’t just playing for wins anymore. They’re making statements. At home, they expect dominance, not just professionalism. Sahibzada Farhan has been absolutely scorching since the Asia Cup, leading Pakistan with 676 runs this calendar year and coming off his highest ever T20I score. Fakhar Zaman has settled into that middle order anchor role perfectly. But the elephant in the room? Babar Azam. Back in the shortest format after time away, and the returns have been painfully ordinary. Mohammad Nawaz has carried the all-rounder burden brilliantly, especially with the ball recently, but Pakistan will be aiming fire collectively if they want to completely snuff out this Zimbabwean challenge.