Rawalpindi – Pakistan reached the T20 tri-series final with a game to spare when they beat Zimbabwe by 69 runs on Sunday — and captain Shoaib Malik praised his team for getting better and better.
Off-spinning all-rounder Usman Tariq was the star performer with a remarkable hat trick while Zimbabwe plunged to 126 in their pursuit of 196.
In his second T20 International, the 27-year-old spinner resticted Tony Munyonga (1), Tashinga Musekiwa (0) and Wellington Masakadza (0) at three consecutive deliveries of the 10th over to register a hat trick.
“This is what we go over in the team meetings. Tariq was our x-factor. He plays, he takes wickets. That’s the hallmark of a player in a winning side,” Pakistan captain Salman Agha said.
Ryan Buri (67 not out) fought a lonely battle and worked as the glue to ensure Zimbabwe, who were reeling at 82 for nine, registered a good total with his 44-run last wicket stand with Richard Ngarava (5).
Babar Azam earlier scored 74 from 52 balls and opener Fakhar Zaman made 63 off 41 balls as Pakistan posted a total of 195 for five in their 20 overs.
But it was Tariq’s day as he was declared man-of-the-match.
“Lucky to be able to pick it up!” I have to Look after pace and spin variations. I was in no mood for a big shot on the hat trick ball, all credit to the batter. Thanks to my captain,” he said.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 195 for 5 (Babar 74, Farhan 63, Raza 2-39) beat Zimbabwe 126 all out (Burl 67 not out, Usman Tariq 4-18, Nawaz 2-21) by 69 runs.