Fans react as Mohammad Nawaz leads Pakistan to a thrilling win over Zimbabwe in the T20I Tri-Series opener

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In a tense encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan registered a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series. Zimbabwe, after opting to bat first, managed to put up 147/8 in their 20 overs, with Brian Bennett top-scoring with a solid 49. However, Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz played a crucial role both with the ball and bat, helping Pakistan chase down the target with 4 balls to spare, finishing on 151/5. Nawaz’s all-round performance, including figures of 2/22 and a match-winning 21 not out from 12 balls, earned him the Player of the Match award.

Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a flying start, with Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani putting on 50 runs in just 34 balls. Bennett continued his aggressive approach, scoring 49 off 36 balls, while Marumani contributed 30 from 22 balls. However, after their strong partnership, Zimbabwe’s batting crumbled under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. Nawaz, Saim Ayub and Shaheen Afridi restricted the flow of runs, and Pakistan’s fielding also played a part in dismissing two key players, Tony Munyonga and Brendan Taylor, via run-outs. Zimbabwe finished with 147/8, a score that was ultimately not enough against Pakistan’s chase.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a rocky start, with the top order falling cheaply. Babar Azam and Salman Agha were dismissed early, leaving Pakistan at 27/3. However, Fakhar Zaman‘s 44 off 32 balls, combined with Nawaz’s quickfire 21* off 12 balls, turned the game in Pakistan’s favour. Nawaz, in particular, was impressive, hitting a boundary and a six to finish the game with a flourish. Despite a few early setbacks, Pakistan’s experienced middle order held their nerve to cross the line with 4 balls to spare, sealing the victory. This match highlighted Nawaz’s all-round abilities, with his key wickets and crucial knock propelling Pakistan to their first win in the tri-series.

This has been one of the most sketchy games I’ve ever seen. 3 balls in a row, there were 3 controversial moments. A simple catch dropped, a no ball call (for a waist height full-toss), and a misfield on a straight ball to conveniently gift Pakistan the win. Strange. #PAKvZIM

— ARYA (@lfcaryaa) November 18, 2025

Pakistan🇵🇰survive a scare to start the T20 Tri-Series with a 5-wicket win over Zimbabwe🇿🇼. After🇿🇼posted 147/8 behind Bennett’s 49, Fakhar Zaman 44 & Usman Khan unbeaten 37 guided🇵🇰home with 4 balls to spare.Mohammad Nawaz starred with both bat&ball in a tense finish✍️.#PAKvZIM

— SportsFreak_Sameer (@Sidharth_World_) November 18, 2025

Brad Evans’ efforts against Pakistan did not go unnoticed as he walked away with the Moment of the Match accolade. #PAKvZIM #SLvPAK #SLvZIM

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) November 18, 2025

fielding a full-strength team against Zim meanwhile young talent ignored this management doesn’t blieve in bench strength,dvlpmnt,and clearly has no vision Samad,Abbas,Hasan, Haseebullah all ignored while the same faces keep getting recycled.Pcb is clueless, incompetent#PAKvZIM

— kashif khan (@kashiftoru7) November 18, 2025

Truly match saving knocks. Well directed innings, both by @FakharZamanLive and Usman Khan. And of course, @mnawaz94 , a match winner for sure.#PAKvZIM #PakistanCricket

— محمد ابوبکر سرور (@iambakar6) November 18, 2025

We may have won but this batting lineup against strong teams in WC will hurt us. We even struggled against UAE, SL & BAN in Asia Cup & now ZIM.I don't understand why Agha thinks we are in the right direction, we certainly are not as for now! #PAKvZIM

— Maryam (@Maryammr285) November 18, 2025

Nawaz, you’re my match winner.With the ball: 4 overs • 22 runs • 2 wicketsWith the bat: 21*(12) • 3 fours • 1 sixTruly one of the finest all-rounders in modern cricket. 🔥🏏#PAKvZIM #Cricket

— umair khan (@ksz399) November 18, 2025

REDEMPTION OF MUHAMMAD NAWAZ IN 2025 🔥👌

– Finishing games with the bat,– Providing control & Wickets inmiddle overs

He has truly turned into a match-winner 👏

— junaiz (@dhillow_) November 18, 2025

Mohammad Nawaz has been the X factor for Pakistan in Batting and bowling over the last 1 years.

— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) November 18, 2025

Pakistan won by 5 wickets in the 1st match of the Tri-series ⚡#Cricket #PAKvZIM

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 19, 2025