Match Preview Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I Tri series 2025

Pakistan vs Zimbabwe: 1st T20I Preview – Hosts Eye Momentum in Tri-Series OpenerRawalpindi, November 18, 2025

– Fresh off a commanding 3-0 ODI whitewash against Sri Lanka, Pakistan kick off their T20I Tri-Series campaign against Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, aiming to build early momentum in what promises to be a competitive buildup to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Under the steady leadership of all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, the hosts will look to leverage their home advantage on a batsman-friendly pitch, while Sikandar Raza’s battle-hardened Zimbabwe side seeks to spring an upset and make an early statement in the tournament.

This seven-match tri-nation showdown – featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe – replaces a planned series with Afghanistan, who withdrew amid geopolitical tensions. All games have been relocated to Rawalpindi due to air quality concerns in Lahore, ensuring a high-octane start under the floodlights at 7:00 PM local time. With the top two teams advancing to a final on November 29, Pakistan-Zimbabwe sets the tone: expect explosive starts, spin duels, and perhaps a few dew-assisted twists in the second innings.Form Guide: Pakistan’s White-Ball Surge Meets Zimbabwe’s GritPakistan enter on a high, having dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting in the ODIs with incisive pace from Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr., and clinical chases led by Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan. Their T20I form has been patchy – a 2-1 home series win over South Africa in October offered glimpses of revival – but the return of Babar Azam and Naseem Shah injects star power. Babar, absent from recent ODIs for workload management, is primed for a big knock after a lean Asia Cup, while Naseem’s express bounce could exploit Rawalpindi’s true pace.Zimbabwe, meanwhile, arrive with quiet confidence after a morale-boosting 3-2 T20I series win over Bangladesh in October. Raza’s all-round wizardry – 150+ runs and 8 wickets in that series – remains their X-factor, but they’ve struggled against full-strength attacks, losing 1-4 to India A in a recent tour. The Chevrons’ strength lies in their spin depth, with Wellington Masakadza and the veteran Graeme Cremer (back from retirement) poised to challenge Pakistan’s aggressive top order on a surface that offers turn later.

Head-to-Head: In 21 T20Is, Pakistan hold a commanding 18-3 edge, including a 6-0 streak at home. Their last encounter, a 2023 World Cup thriller, saw the hosts chase down 130 with ease – but Zimbabwe’s Raza (89*) nearly pulled off a heist.

Squads and Probable XIs: Depth vs Dynamism

Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.Probable XI: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk – if added, else Haseebullah), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Impact Player Options: Abrar Ahmed (leg-spin variety), Mohammad Wasim Jr. (seam all-rounder).
Key men: Babar’s class in the middle, Shaheen’s new-ball swing, and Agha’s tactical nous.

Zimbabwe Squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande (wk), Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor (wk).

Probable XI:

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Dion Myers, Clive Madande (wk), Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans.
Impact Player Options: Tinotenda Maposa (pace), Tashinga Musekiwa (batting depth).
Key men: Raza’s match-winning all-round threat, Cremer’s wily off-spin, and Ngarava’s skiddy bounce.

Pitch and Conditions:

Batsmen’s Paradise with a TwistRawalpindi’s drop-in pitches have historically favored high scores – averaging 170+ in T20Is – with short boundaries rewarding power-hitters like Fakhar and Raza. Early seam movement could aid Shaheen and Ngarava, but dew in the second innings often tilts chases. Clear skies are forecast, with temperatures around 20°C; teams winning the toss may bat first to set a platform. Spinners like Nawaz and Masakadza could be game-changers as the game wears on.

What to Watch: X-Factors and Narratives

  • Babar’s Redemption Arc: Can the former captain silence doubters with a fluent fifty on home soil?
  • Raza vs Pace Attack: Zimbabwe’s talisman thrives under pressure – will Pakistan’s trio of Shaheen, Naseem, and Rauf neutralize him early?
  • Young Guns Shine: Saim Ayub’s explosive starts for Pakistan vs Marumani’s promise for Zimbabwe; both are T20 World Cup hopefuls.
  • Tri-Series Stakes: A win here gives Pakistan breathing room before facing Sri Lanka on November 22, while Zimbabwe aim to build on their Bangladesh success.

Pakistan are clear favorites (odds around 1.30), but Zimbabwe’s never-say-die spirit – recall their 2017 upset in Lahore – adds intrigue. Expect fireworks in this opener, with the hosts gunning for a statement victory to set the tri-series alight. Tune in on PTV Sports or the Tamasha app for live action – cricket’s unpredictability ensures nothing’s guaranteed.

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