RAWALPINDI: Usman Tariq (4-18) etched his name in Pakistan cricket history, producing the country’s fourth T20I hat-trick as the hosts stormed into the final of the Tri-series with a thumping 69-run victory over Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Sunday.
On a night that kept the Rawalpindi crowd roaring, Pakistan delivered a commanding all-round display. Babar Azam (74) finally unleashed the long-awaited masterclass fans had been craving, guiding Pakistan to an imposing 195 for 5. His elegant stroke-play, featuring two towering sixes and seven crisp boundaries, set the stage for a dominant total. The innings gained further muscle through an exhilarating 103-run partnership with the in-form Sahibzada Farhan (63), built in just under 12 overs. Farhan, fresh from his match-winning heroics against Sri Lanka, once again sparkled with three sixes and four boundaries during his 41-ball assault.
Fakhar Zaman then applied the finishing touches in trademark fashion. His blistering 27 not out off just 10 deliveries, decorated with three massive sixes, pushed Pakistan tantalizingly close to the 200 mark. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza (2-39) remained the standout bowler for his side, fighting hard in an otherwise one-sided contest.
But the night belonged to Usman Tariq. With Zimbabwe wobbling early, Usman delivered a devastating burst that turned the match into a procession. He removed Tony Mungonga (1), trapped Tashinga Musekiwa (0), and completed the hat-trick when Babar Azam pouched a well-judged catch to dismiss Wellington Masakadza (0). Rawalpindi erupted as Usman sealed a rare and historic feat. He joined a rare club of Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Hussain who have performed T20 hat-trick for the country. Usman later dismissed Maposa (3) to finish with brilliant figures of 4-18, one of the finest spells witnessed on this ground in recent years.
“I really enjoy bowling with this action. It is easy for me as I bowl with this action for years now. I am excited to join the exclusive club and enjoy bowling here,” Usman said. Zimbabwe’s innings unraveled spectacularly. After losing nine wickets for just 82, Ryan Burl (67 not out) mounted a lone resistance, hammering two sixes and eight fours in a spirited counterattack that lifted Zimbabwe to a modest 126. His fight, though impressive, found little support as the tail crumbled around him. Richard Ngarava (5) was the last to go, run out while attempting an impossible single. Earlier, Sikandar Raza (23) had shown promise but could not prolong his stay. Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless throughout, with Mohammad Nawaz (2-21) delivering tight, intelligent spells to complement Usman’s heroics.
