Pakistan Crush Zimbabwe by 69 Runs in Rawalpindi T20I, Edge Closer to Final

When Pakistan posted 195/5 against Zimbabwe on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, it wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. By the time the final ball was bowled at 4:46 PM IST, Zimbabwe had been bowled out for 126 in 19 overs, handing Pakistan a commanding 69-run victory in Match 4 of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025Rawalpindi. Captain Salman Agha, who led from the front with a composed 52 off 38, called it "a perfect win" — and for good reason. After a flawless performance against Sri Lanka in their previous match, Pakistan backed it up with clinical precision on a pitch that offered little to no help for bowlers.

Perfect Conditions, Perfect Execution

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium played its part: 70-meter boundaries, a flat surface, and a slightly slow outfield. That meant running between the wickets wasn’t optional — it was essential. "When you have 70-meter boundaries, running between the wickets gets very crucial," Agha explained post-match. "That’s exactly what we discussed in our team meeting. We didn’t just rely on sixes. We punished the bad balls, and we ran hard. That’s how you win here." Pakistan’s openers, Sai Mayub and Sabzada Faran, laid the foundation. Faran, in particular, was in blistering form — his 67 off 42 balls included five boundaries and three sixes, all struck with timing rather than brute force. The middle order, led by Agha and all-rounder Imad Wasim (28* off 14), accelerated without losing control. Pakistan’s final 5 overs yielded 58 runs — a brutal reminder of what happens when a team executes a game plan.

Zimbabwe’s Batting Collapse

Zimbabwe’s reply never got going. Openers Richard Garava and Baba Razan were both dismissed inside the first four overs — Garava caught behind off a back-of-a-length delivery that bounced sharply, and Razan, attempting a wild heave over midwicket, top-edged to deep square leg. Commentary noted early on: "He wants to break free. He’s hitting it too hard into the ground." What followed was a cascade of poor decisions. Zimbabwe’s top order, desperate to chase down 196, abandoned the basics. Spinners Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah were economical and clever, forcing Zimbabwe into predictable patterns. The visitors managed only 14 runs in the powerplay — their lowest in any T20I this year. By the 15th over, the game was over. The final over, bowled by Haris Rauf, saw Zimbabwe lose their last three wickets without adding a run.

Leadership Under Scrutiny

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza-ul-Haq didn’t hide his frustration. "Apart from the final over, I felt it was a typical Rawalpindi wicket," he said. "There were runs to be scored. But we needed someone to step up after those early wickets — and nobody did." Raza, who has played over 100 international matches, emphasized a deeper issue: "You need to know that the opposition will have worked on your weaknesses. You need to be on your game every time." He pointed directly at Zimbabwe’s struggles against spin — a critical flaw ahead of the T20 World CupAsia. "They’ll regroup soon and have a chat. But we need individual responsibility. We need to play spin well." It’s a sobering admission from a veteran who’s led Zimbabwe through highs and lows. But with two losses in three matches, and now a net run rate of -1.82, Zimbabwe’s chances of reaching the final are hanging by a thread.

The Crucial Clash Ahead

The next match — Sri Lanka vs ZimbabweRawalpindi on Tuesday, November 25 at 1:00 PM GMT — is essentially a knockout. Sri Lanka, who lost to Pakistan in their opener but beat Zimbabwe by five wickets in Match 2, now sit at 1-1. A win for Sri Lanka eliminates Zimbabwe. A win for Zimbabwe? That keeps their hopes alive — and sends Sri Lanka packing.

"This is probably the most crucial game of this series so far," wrote Hindustan Times in their preview. "Zimbabwe needs a miracle. Sri Lanka needs redemption. And Rawalpindi? It’ll be rocking." Pakistan, meanwhile, sit comfortably atop the table with 4 points from two wins. Agha’s side has shown balance: explosive openers, calm finishers, and a bowling attack that adapts to conditions. They’re not just playing well — they’re playing smart.

What’s Next for Pakistan?

If Pakistan beats Sri Lanka in their final group game on November 27, they’ll clinch the series outright. But even a loss won’t eliminate them — they’re already in the final. Their focus now shifts to fine-tuning. Can they handle pressure in the final? Will their spinners hold up under Asian conditions? And can Faran maintain this form?

For Zimbabwe, the path is steeper. They must beat Sri Lanka by a huge margin — and hope Pakistan loses. It’s a long shot. But in cricket, as Raza knows better than most, hope doesn’t die until the last ball.