Pakistan vs Zimbabwe T20I Match Preview – 18th November 2025

Match Details

• Event: Pakistan T20I TriSeries 2025
• Date & Time: Tuesday, 18th November 2025, 13:00 GMT (07:30 PM IST / 02:00 PM BST)
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
• Format: T20I (1st Match of the TriSeries)

Match Overview

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is set to host the opening match of the Pakistan T20I TriSeries 2025, as Pakistan takes on Zimbabwe in a high-stakes encounter. With all three teams in this triangular series starting with a clean slate, this match is crucial for setting the tone of the competition.

Pakistan, bolstered by a strong domestic T20I campaign, will look to capitalize on home advantage and a favorable batting pitch. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will aim to disrupt Pakistan's rhythm and make a strong start to their tri-series campaign.

Team Form and Key Players

Pakistan

• Recent Form: Pakistan has shown mixed results in T20Is in 2025, with 17 wins and 12 losses. However, their home performance has been encouraging, with a balanced top order and a potent bowling lineup.
• Batting: Sahibzada Farhan (510 runs, 27.6 avg, 129.75 SR) and Usman Khan (319 runs at Rawalpindi) are key contributors. Fakhar Zaman's return adds depth to the top order.
• Bowling: Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed offer spin support, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah lead the pace attack.

Players to Watch:

• Sahibzada Farhan: The dependable opener and wicketkeeper.
• Babar Azam: The experienced captain with a strong record at home.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi: Provides late-order threat with his pace and swing.

Zimbabwe

• Recent Form: Zimbabwe qualified for the 2024 T20 World Cup with 9 wins from 19 matches. They have a strong all-round setup and rely heavily on their senior players.
• Batting: Brian Bennett (795+ runs, 151.71 SR) is their star performer, with Dion Myers and Brendan Taylor offering support.
• Bowling: Richard Ngarava (26 wickets, 19.7 economy) is a key bowler, while Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans contribute with both bat and ball.

Players to Watch:

• Brian Bennett: Zimbabwe's explosive middle-order hitter.
• Richard Ngarava: The leading wicket-taker in Zimbabwe's setup.
• Graeme Cremer: A versatile all-rounder who can take wickets in the middle overs.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Pakistan: 3 wins
• Zimbabwe: 2 wins

Pakistan holds a slight edge in the recent encounters, but Zimbabwe is capable of pulling off upsets on their day.

Venue Insights – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

• Average 1st Innings Score (2022–2025): 210.4
• Winning Percentage:
  • Batting First: 56.3%
  • Batting Second: 43.7%
• Pitch Behavior: Favors batters, with a 70% batting-friendly rating. Spinners have an edge in the middle overs.

Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan (11/15):

• Openers: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub
• Middle Order: Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan
• Lower Order & Allrounders: Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf
• Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq

Bench: Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza

Zimbabwe (11/15):

• Openers: Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa
• Middle Order: Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett
• Lower Order & Allrounders: Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer
• Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakanda, Brandon Evans

Bench: Tinotenda Maphosa, T Munyonga, N Nyamhuri

Weather and Pitch Report

• Humidity: 81%
• Pitch Condition: Expected to be batting-friendly, with dew likely to assist the chasing side in the second half.
• Toss Impact: The team winning the toss may opt to bowl first and chase, given the dew factor and batting-friendly nature of the pitch.

Prediction and Key Takeaways

Pakistan enters the match as firm favorites, with a well-rounded squad and strong home support. However, Zimbabwe’s blend of experience and explosive talent could give them a fighting chance if they play to their potential.

Key Matchups:

• Babar Azam vs Richard Ngarava: A battle between one of the world’s best T20 batters and a sharp Zimbabwean spinner.
• Fakhar Zaman vs Brandon Evans: The Pakistani opener will look to dominate the Zimbabwean seamer.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Ryan Burl: A pace vs all-rounder duel in the death overs.

Final Prediction

Prediction: Pakistan by 5-6 wickets

Top Performer: Babar Azam (PAK) – Consistent form and match-winning ability in home conditions.
X-Factor: Brian Bennett (ZIM) – Capable of changing the game with a quickfire innings if the conditions suit him.

Conclusion

The 1st T20I of the Pakistan TriSeries 2025 promises to be an exciting contest between two well-balanced sides. While Pakistan has the edge in home advantage and form, Zimbabwe will look to make a statement with a clinical performance. The toss and early wickets could be the decisive factors in this match.
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