Pakistan Surpasses Sri Lanka and Four Others in T20 Rankings After Win Over Zimbabwe

Pakistan registered a thrilling win over Zimbabwe during the ongoing tri-series involving Sri Lanka. The Men in Green always looked on course for the win but stumbled in the end a little bit. However, they managed to hold on to their nerves and secured the win in the last over of the match.

Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Khan stayed till the end to finish off the game for Pakistan. All-rounder Nawaz struck two fours in a row during the final over to complete a narrow win for the hosts. Despite giving a scare, Zimbabwe's fielding lapses proved to be too much for them. With this win, Pakistan kept themselves ahead of Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 rankings.

Pakistan Secure Thrilling Win Over Zimbabwe

Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, Pakistan were in early trouble as they lost three wickets just for 30 runs. Soon, they stumbled to 54-4 with the top four back in the pavilion. However, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan studded a match-winning partnership together to bring the innings back on track.

By the time Zaman was dismissed, Pakistan were well on course to win the match. The situation got tense in the Pakistan vs Zimbabwe match when the home team required 17 runs off the last two overs to win. However, a misfield in the final over allowed Pakistan to take control of the game and Nawaz finished it off in style.

While Pakistan won the match, it wasn't a great game for their star batter, Babar Azam, as he was dismissed for a three-ball duck. Babar is regarded as one of the best T20 batsmen in the world but failed to live up to the expectations in this match. His wicket silenced the crowd who had come in numbers to watch their favorite cricketer play.

Zimbabwe Stumble After Excellent Start

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe got off to a brilliant start from Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani as they put on 72 runs in just 8 overs. However, their innings lost track midway as they kept losing wickets afterwards. Skipper Sikandar Raza, who is one of the best all-rounders in the world, provided the finishing touches with a fiery 24-ball-34 in the end.

Bennett top-scored for the tourists with 49 off 36 balls while his opening partner Marumani scored 30 off 22 balls. Nawaz not only finished off the game with the bat, but also played a key role with the ball. His figures of 2-22 in 4 overs and 21 off 12 balls with the bat secured him the Player of the Match award.

The victory has solidified Pakistan's spot in the ICC T20 ranking team rankings. The ICC T20 ranking team 2025 list is topped by India, who are also the current champions in the format. The next match in this tri-series will be played between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on November 20.