Spinner Usman's impressive hat-trick helps Pakistan defeat Zimbabwe by 69 runs

The visitors were 126 all out in the fourth match of the T20 tri-nation series in Rawalpindi

Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 69 runs thanks to superb bowling by spinner Usman Tariq in the fourth T20I of tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Stadium on Sunday night.

Zimbabwe were 126 all out in 19th over, as Usman led the bowlers with four wickets and only giving away 18 runs.

The 30-year-old became the fourth Pakistani to make a T20 hat-trick and he also received the player of the match award for his outstanding performance.

He took back-to-back wickets of Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza in the 10th over, while his fourth wicket came in 14th over when he dismissed Tinotenda Maposa.

Among other Pakistani bowlers who took wickets were Mohammad Nawaz, with two dismissals, along with Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim, and Faheem Ashraf, all of whom took a wicket each.

Ryan Burl was the highest scorer for Zimbabwe with unbeaten 67 runs, but his heroics fell short as the rest of the batting order collapsed quickly.

The win means Pakistan will play the final of the series on November 29, while Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will be fighting for the second place to book their place in it.

This story was periodically updated and a match report will be available shortly.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan and former captain Babar Azam were key for Pakistan to amass 195 runs at the end of their 20 overs.

Farhan showed grit and played foundational role with his 63 runs, while Babar Azam took the limelight with his thrilling 74 runs supported by seven fours and two sixes.

Both batters were dismissed by Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza.

Fakhar Zaman also contributed with 27 runs before returning to pavilion and Saim Ayub was able to score 13 runs to back Pakistan's total of 195/5.

Besides Raza, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans took one wicket each for Zimbabwe.

The vistors will be chasing the 196-run target.

Captain and birthday boy Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first after winning the toss.

The series is featuring Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and hosts Pakistan.

So far, Pakistan have won both of their two previous matches, Zimbabwe won one match against Sri Lanka that was played on November 20, while Sri Lanka have not been able to win any match yet.

On Saturday, Sahibzada Farhan struck unbeaten 80 off 45 balls - his T20I career-best - to help Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets as they chased the 129-run target in 15.3 overs picking up their second-consecutive win in the Tri-nation T20I series.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz was the stand out bowler with three wickets in the last fixture.

Pakistan

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq.

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (capt.), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza.