On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Pakistan national cricket team delivered a clinical performance to crush Zimbabwe by 69 runs in the fourth T20I of the Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe Tri-nation T20I Series 2025/26Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, sealing their spot in the final. The win wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. Pakistan, now 3-0 in the tournament, didn’t just win; they dominated. And with two matches still to play before the championship decider, they’ve already made it clear who the team to beat is.
Rawalpindi Roars as Pakistan Dominates
The match began under a clear November sky in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan posting 192 for 4 in their 20 overs, powered by a blistering 76 off 48 balls from Babar Azam, the captain and anchor of their batting lineup. Zimbabwe, chasing 193, never looked in control. Their top order collapsed under pressure, and by the 15th over, they were 104 for 7. The final total? 123 all out in 17.2 overs. It was the kind of performance that reminds you why Pakistan’s T20 pedigree is among the best in the world—even when they’re not at their flashiest.
Standings Tell the Real Story
By the numbers, Pakistan’s dominance is undeniable. Across three matches, they’ve scored 477 runs in just 54.5 overs—averaging nearly 8.7 runs per over—while conceding only 401 runs in 60 overs. Their net run rate of 2.016 is the highest in the series by a full point. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, sits at -0.183, having scraped together 435 runs while leaking 441. Sri Lanka, still in the hunt, hasn’t played their third match yet, but their position is precarious. They lost to Pakistan on November 22 and face Zimbabwe on November 25. A loss there could eliminate them before the final.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
This tri-series isn’t just about who lifts the trophy. It’s about momentum. For Pakistan, it’s their first multi-team home tournament since 2019, when security concerns kept international teams away. Hosting Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe this year signals a full return to global cricket’s mainstream. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), headquartered in Lahore, has invested heavily in reviving the country’s reputation as a safe, vibrant cricket destination. Crowds at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have been electric—nearly 25,000 fans packed the stands for Sunday’s match, waving flags and chanting through every over.
For Zimbabwe, it’s a different story. They’ve shown flashes of promise—especially from their young spinner, Tadiwanashe Marumani, who took 3 wickets in the final over—but inconsistency still plagues them. Their only win came against Sri Lanka on November 20, a match they won by 8 wickets. But against top-tier teams like Pakistan, they’ve struggled to convert starts into finishes.
The Road to the Final
Before the championship match on November 29, 2025Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, two more games remain. On November 25, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe clash again—this time with Zimbabwe needing a win to stay alive. Then, on November 27, Pakistan faces Sri Lanka. That match could be a formality—or a trap. Pakistan might rest key players, but Sri Lanka, desperate to avoid elimination, will come out swinging.
And here’s the twist: even if Pakistan loses to Sri Lanka, they still qualify for the final. Their net run rate is so strong that only a catastrophic collapse—think 200-run defeat—could knock them out. That’s the luxury of dominance.
A Legacy in the Making
This series is more than a warm-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup. It’s a proving ground. For Pakistan’s young pace attack—Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah—it’s a chance to cement their places in the global T20 hierarchy. For Zimbabwe, it’s a lesson in resilience. And for Sri Lanka, it’s a wake-up call: they’re not as far along as they think.
The final on November 29 will be more than a trophy match. It’ll be a coronation for Pakistan’s resurgence, a reckoning for Zimbabwe’s growing pains, and a test of Sri Lanka’s resolve. Cricket fans across South Asia will be watching—not just for the result, but for what it says about the future of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pakistan qualify for the final with two matches still to play?
Pakistan qualified because their 3-0 record and superior net run rate (+2.016) made them unbeatable in the round-robin format. Even if they lose both remaining matches, their point total (6) and run rate are so far ahead that Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka can’t mathematically catch them. Only a perfect storm of results—Zimbabwe beating Sri Lanka by 100+ runs and Pakistan losing both matches by over 150 runs—could knock them out, which is virtually impossible.
Why is the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium significant for this series?
Rawalpindi has become a symbol of Pakistan’s return to international cricket. After years of hosting matches in the UAE due to security fears, the PCB has successfully brought top teams back home. The stadium’s electric atmosphere, with crowds exceeding 25,000, proves international teams now view Pakistan as safe and vibrant. This series is a milestone in restoring the country’s cricketing legacy.
What’s at stake for Zimbabwe in their remaining match against Sri Lanka?
Zimbabwe must beat Sri Lanka by a wide margin to have any chance of finishing second and securing a playoff spot—though they can’t reach the final. A win by 10+ wickets or a run rate above +1.5 could lift them above Sri Lanka on the table. But even then, they’d still finish third. The real goal is building confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers, where they’ll need consistent performances to avoid relegation.
Who are the key players to watch in the final?
For Pakistan, Babar Azam’s consistency and Haris Rauf’s death-over control are vital. If Shaheen Afridi returns from injury, he’ll be a game-changer. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin and Pathum Nissanka’s batting could decide the outcome. Zimbabwe’s best hope lies with Marumani and Sikandar Raza—if they can combine for a 120+ partnership, they might surprise again.
Is this series part of the ICC’s official calendar?
Yes. Though it’s a tri-series, it’s sanctioned by the ICC and counts toward official T20I rankings. Each match contributes to team points used for World Cup seeding. Pakistan’s current ranking jump—from 7th to 4th—reflects the importance of these fixtures. For smaller nations like Zimbabwe, every point gained here improves their chances of direct qualification for future tournaments.
Why was there confusion about the venue being Gaddafi Stadium?
Sofascore.com mistakenly listed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as the venue for the November 23 match. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the match was held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, as per the official schedule. The error likely stemmed from outdated data or mislabeled feeds. PCB’s official website and match officials confirmed the location, and broadcast footage clearly showed Rawalpindi’s distinct stadium layout.
