Pakistan take on Zimbabwe in T20I tri-series opening match tonight

Published: 12:39 PM, 18 Nov, 2025
Sports, Cricket
Pakistan take on Zimbabwe in T20I tri-series opening match tonight
Caption: The T20I Tri-Nation Series trophy was unveiled in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Pakistan will take on Zimbabwe in the opening match of the T20I tri-series in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium tonight, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Pakistan would want to continue the winning run they are on in the ongoing home season, with series wins against South Africa and Sri Lanka, respectively, in the white ball format of the game.

For that to happen, the Men in Green would eye a winning start to the tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka when they take on Zimbabwe in the opening match by making full use of the home conditions.

One of the major concerns that the Salman Ali Agha-led side will have to address is the batting of various players, especially the openers.

Fakhar Zaman, who wasn't a part of the team's last T20I against South Africa, is back in the squad for this particular series and, in all likelihood, will open the innings.

The Pakistani management will have their task cut out in deciding who opens the batting along with Fakhar between Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan.

While Saim Ayub has developed himself into a proper all-rounder, Sahibzada Farhan can keep wickets.

As far as Pakistan's middle order is concerned, it looks quite settled with former captain Babar Azam, who played a match-winning knock in the series decider against South Africa, batting at number three.

Babar will be followed by the present T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, who is coming into the series on the back of a century against Sri Lanka, and would like to make full use of the good form that he is in.

The duo will be assisted by another wicketkeeper batter, Usman Khan, and a couple of all-rounders in the form of Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz.

The bowling combination might comprise a couple of all-rounders and three specialist fast bowlers.

The fast bowling department will be handled by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Faheem Ashraf, while the spin bowling arsenal will consist of Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq, with assistance from Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub.

The T20 tri-series trophy was unveiled at a grand ceremony in Rawalpindi on Monday, setting the stage for an exciting cricket contest.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha expressed optimism, highlighting the national team’s encouraging recent form. He added that the series would serve as an ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, promising fans competitive and entertaining cricket.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka acknowledged the team’s recent ODI defeat but emphasised that T20 cricket presents a different challenge. He noted that a few players are dealing with health issues but expected them to recover soon, signalling the squad’s readiness for the competition.

SQUADS

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri and Brendan Taylor

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga

Series schedule:

18 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe

20 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe

22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka

23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe

25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe

27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka

29 November –Final

  

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