Pakistan Crush Zimbabwe by 69 Runs to Seal Spot in Tri-Series Final

Pakistan stormed into the tri-series final with a commanding 69-run win over Zimbabwe, a result that not only maintained their unbeaten run but also delivered a major blow to Zimbabwe’s net run rate. A superb half-century from Babar Azam and a blistering spell from Usman Tariq — capped by a hat-trick — ensured Pakistan’s total of 195 for 5 was far beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. The visitors crumbled to 126 all out, offering resistance only through Ryan Burl’s lone fight.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan set up their highest total of the tournament. Saim Ayub blazed early with two sixes before falling in the powerplay, but Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam built a decisive partnership. Farhan played with aggression, racing to 32 off his first 20 balls, while Babar settled in before accelerating. Their contrasting styles blended into a 100-run stand that stabilised the innings and set the foundation for a powerful finish. Farhan eventually fell for 63 off 41, while Babar compiled a masterful 74 off 52.

With wickets in hand, Pakistan unleashed a late-overs surge. Though Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz could not make the most of their promotions, Fakhar Zaman — surprisingly sent in at No. 7 — smashed 25 runs off the final over, including three sixes and a four off Brad Evans. A no-ball off the last delivery, followed by a six on the free hit, summed up Zimbabwe's struggles as Pakistan surged to 195, the highest total of the tri-series so far.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s top-heavy batting order faltered immediately. Tadiwanashe Marumani chipped a simple catch to cover, while Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor followed quickly, leaving the side reeling in the powerplay. A brief partnership between Burl and Sikandar Raza offered hope, but once Nawaz and the pacers applied pressure, any semblance of a chase faded.

The decisive moment came from Usman Tariq’s remarkable hat-trick. After dismissing Tony Munyonga on a miscued sweep and bowling Tashinga Musekiwa next ball, Tariq had fielders surrounding the bat as Wellington Masakadza faced the hat-trick ball. Instead of playing it safe, Masakadza attempted an aerial stroke — only to find long-on perfectly placed. Tariq’s hat-trick dismantled Zimbabwe’s lower order and hastened a collapse that left Burl stranded on an unbeaten 67.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 126, never looking capable of challenging Pakistan’s total. The heavy defeat leaves their hopes of reaching the final hanging by a thread, while Pakistan, with three wins from three matches, are already assured of a place in Saturday's title clash.