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Pakistan registered a resounding 69-run victory over Zimbabwe in the 4th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, thanks to a scintillating hat-trick by Usman Tariq. Set a target of 196 runs, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 126, with Tariq delivering a match-winning performance. His hat-trick in the 9th over left Zimbabwe reeling and all but sealed the game for Pakistan. The young pacer’s fiery spell ended Zimbabwe’s fightback and helped Pakistan maintain a strong position in the tri-series. With Tariq’s outstanding 4/18 performance, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated, as Zimbabwe crumbled under pressure.
Usman Tariq’s hat-trick: A moment of magic for Pakistan
Tariq’s hat-trick was the standout moment of the match and delivered a clinical finish to Zimbabwe’s chase. After claiming the first two wickets in the same over, Tariq completed his remarkable feat by dismissing Wellington Masakadza for a duck, securing Pakistan’s fourth-ever T20I hat-trick. The delivery to Masakadza was a well-executed full-length ball that drifted wide of off-stump. Masakadza, attempting a slog sweep, top-edged the ball straight to Babar Azam at long-on.
The hat-trick ball followed a pair of wickets earlier in the over, where Tariq had struck in successive deliveries to remove Tashinga Musekiwa and Tony Munyonga. The ball to Musekiwa was a length delivery that hit the pads before crashing into the stumps, while Munyonga was caught at short fine leg after mis-timing his sweep shot. Tariq’s sensational spell derailed Zimbabwe’s chase and left Pakistan firmly in control.
Tariq’s hat-trick was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure, earning him the Player of the Match award. His performance also helped Pakistan set the tone for the remainder of the tri-series, showcasing their depth in the bowling department. Zimbabwe, having been reduced to 126 all out, had no answers to Tariq’s lethal bowling. The hat-trick, a rare occurrence in T20 cricket, was met with jubilant celebrations from the Pakistan team, with Babar Azam among the first to congratulate Tariq. His brilliant spell reinforced Pakistan’s dominance in the match and turned what was a competitive encounter into a one-sided contest.
Here’s the video:
HAT-TRICK IN JUST HIS SECOND T20I 🤯
Usman Tariq shines! Only the fourth Pakistan bowler to claim a T20I hat-trick 👏��🇰
— Shiva Wagle (@aseemshiva78)
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Tariq’s hat-trick guides Pakistan to thrilling 69-run win over Zimbabwe
In the 4th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, Pakistan triumphed by 69 runs over Zimbabwe, bolstered by an incredible hat-trick from Usman Tariq. Pakistan set a competitive total of 195/5 in their allotted 20 overs, with strong contributions from Babar (74) and Sahibzada Farhan (63). In response, Zimbabwe was restricted to just 126 runs, as Tariq spun a web around their lower order to claim 4/18, including a remarkable hat-trick that dismantled Zimbabwe’s chase in spectacular fashion. Tariq’s sensational bowling performance, along with solid contributions from Pakistan’s batting unit, handed the home team a commanding victory and two valuable points in the tri-series.
Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets in the powerplay as they struggled to get the ball away. Tariq’s hat-trick came at a crucial moment in the match, removing Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza in quick succession, sending Zimbabwe’s hopes crashing. Despite a resilient 67 from Ryan Burl, the required run rate became too steep for Zimbabwe to climb, and they were bowled out for 126, sealing a dominant 69-run win for Pakistan.
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