Usman Tariq’s hat-trick powers Pakistan to 69-run win over Zimbabwe

Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to overwhelm Zimbabwe by 69 runs in the fourth match of the T20I tri-series, as Usman Tariq stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Set a formidable target of 196, Zimbabwe never recovered from the early blows delivered by Pakistan’s pace attack. Naseem Shah set the tone in the first over by removing Tadiwanashe Marumani for just four. The pressure intensified moments later when Mohammad Wasim Jr knocked over Brian Bennett for nine, despite the batter managing two boundaries. Zimbabwe found themselves in familiar trouble at 14 for 2 inside the second over.

Faheem Ashraf then dismissed the returning veteran Brendan Taylor for eight, further rattling the visitors before the powerplay concluded.

A brief partnership between captain Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl offered resistance, with the pair adding 34 runs and attempting to repair the innings. But just when Zimbabwe appeared to be stabilising, Mohammad Nawaz broke through, sending Raza back for a brisk 23 and dragging Pakistan back into control at 59 for 4.

The decisive moment arrived in the 10th over when Usman Tariq ripped through the middle order with a spell that changed the entire complexion of the chase. He removed Tony Munyonga for one, then dismissed Tashinga Musekiwa and Wellington Masakadza off consecutive deliveries, both for golden ducks, to complete a remarkable hat-trick. Zimbabwe collapsed to 60 for 7, with Tariq’s magical over effectively ending their hopes.

Nawaz and Tariq added further damage as Brad Evans and Tinotenda Maposa departed cheaply, leaving Zimbabwe nine down. Through the chaos, Ryan Burl produced a lone fightback, crafting an unbeaten 67 off 49 balls with eight fours and two towering sixes. His fifty helped Zimbabwe limp past 100, but the innings eventually closed at 126 when Richard Ngarava was run out in the 19th over.

Earlier, Pakistan’s batting lineup had set the foundation for victory with an excellent total of 195 for 5. After Saim Ayub’s short-lived 13, Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan took charge, stitching together a superb 102-run stand

Both reached their respective half-centuries as they drove Pakistan’s innings forward, Farhan top-scoring with 63 off 41, while Babar struck a polished 74 off 52. In the death overs, Fakhar Zaman provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 21 off nine deliveries.

For Zimbabwe, only Sikandar Raza stood out with the ball, claiming two wickets, but Pakistan’s clinical display ensured a one-sided finish.