Pakistan on Sunday reached the final of the T20 tri-nation series, after defeating Zimbabwe by 69 runs in a one-sided contest at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan scored 195 for 5 in the allotted 20 overs, helped by a commanding 74 from Babar Azam and an impressive 63 from openor Sahibzada Farhan.

Farhan, who opened the innings alongside Saim Ayub, struck 63 off 41 balls with three sixes and four fours before falling at 132.

Earlier, Saim Ayub failed to convert his start, departing for 13.

Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession during the middle overs — Faheem Ashraf run out for 3, Babar dismissed for a superb 74 off 52 deliveries, and Mohammad Nawaz removed for 4 — but Fakhar Zaman’s explosive unbeaten cameo of 27 off just 10 balls, featuring three sixes and a four, propelled the hosts to a strong finish.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 39.

Chasing 196, Zimbabwe crumbled under pressure early as Naseem Shah removed Tadiwanashe Marumani for 4 in the opening over.

Mohammad Wasim Jr. then bowled Brian Bennett for 9, tightening Pakistan’s grip.

Before the powerplay ended, Faheem Ashraf dismissed veteran Brendan Taylor for 8.

Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl attempted to rebuild with a 34-run stand, but Nawaz struck again, removing the skipper for 23.

From there on, Zimbabwe’s middle order collapsed dramatically.

Usman Tariq claimed a hat-trick in a sensational 10th over, by dismissing Tony Munyonga (1), Tashinga Musekiwa (0), and Wellington Masakadza (0) in consecutive deliveries.

He later added a fourth wicket, removing Tinotenda Maposa for 3.

Nawaz struck again to dismiss Brad Evans for 2, and the innings ended when Richard Ngarava was run out, leaving Zimbabwe all out for 126 in 19 overs.

Ryan Burl was the lone fighter for Zimbabwe, remaining unbeaten on 67 off 49 balls with eight fours and two sixes.

For Pakistan, Usman Tariq starred with 4 for 18 in four overs, while Nawaz picked up 2 wickets.

Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Faheem Ashraf claimed one apiece.

With the emphatic 69-run win, Pakistan completed a hat-trick of victories and qualified for the tri-series final.

Earlier, after winning the toss, skipper Salman Ali Agha said the pitch looked ideal for batting, prompting the decision to set a total.

He added that Pakistan were not taking Zimbabwe lightly and would aim to continue their winning momentum.

Salman Ali Agha said the Green Shirts delivered a balanced performance in the previous match and hoped the team would maintain that consistency.

A smiling Salman Agha noted that he was taking the field on his birthday — possibly for the first time — but stressed that his sole focus remained on delivering his best performance.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said his side aimed to challenge every top team in the tournament.
He recalled that their first match against Pakistan went well and added that he preferred bowling first to test his team under pressure.

Pakistan made two changes to their lineup, bringing in fast bowler Naseem Shah and spinner Usman Tariq, while resting pacer Salman Mirza and spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Zimbabwe made one change, with Wellington Masakadza replacing Graeme Cremer.

Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in their opening match of the tr–nation series and beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets on Saturday.

The two sides have met 22 times in T20 internationals, with Pakistan winning 19 matches and Zimbabwe securing three victories.