Pakistan and Zimbabwe are set for the opening match of the Pakistan T20 Tri-series 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, November 18. This match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM IST (6 PM local time). Apart from these two countries, Sri Lanka will also be seen playing in this tri-series. Stay tuned with our PAK vs ZIM prediction, team preview, pitch report, player stats and winner prediction ahead of this exciting match.
Both teams will come into this T20 Tri-series 2025 with different approaches, as Pakistan has played excellent games in recent times and already won the ODI series against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Zimbabwe qualified for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but they recently lost the T20 series against Afghanistan on their home soil. This raises questions about their T20 game approach.
However, this series is very important for both countries in view of their preparations for the T20 World Cup coming next year and till then, they will be able to assess themselves regarding their preparations through this series.
Head-to-Head Record: Till now, a total of 21 T20 matches have been played between these two teams, in which Pakistan has won 18 matches while Zimbabwe has won three matches. However, in the last five head-to-head matches, Zimbabwe has performed well and has won twice while Pakistan has won three matches.
Pakistan Preview
After the Asia Cup defeat some time ago, the Pakistan team has made some changes in its T20 approach and has improved its game a bit. Pakistan recently won the series against Sri Lanka, while before that they won both the ODI and T20 series against South Africa on their home soil.
Babar Azam’s return to the side will definitely boost the team’s batting. While opening batsmen Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub also have the ability to give a good start to the team. While Saim Ayub’s recent form could be a concern for Pakistan, Farhan is capable of compensating for him. In the middle order, Salman Agha and Usman Khan have the ability to anchor the team.
The Pakistani bowling will be led by Shaheen Afridi, who will be supported by Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf. In the 9 matches played recently, Shaheen Afridi took 14 wickets while Faheem Ashraf took 12 wickets in the seven matches and helped the team to come out of difficult situations. While Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz will try to do well in the spinning department.
Tip
| Player | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Over 28.5 Runs | 1.85 |
Babar Azam is in strong form and returns to T20s with confidence. With Rawalpindi’s batting-friendly conditions, he is well placed to cross this line.
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe have already secured their place in the T20-20 World Cup 2026 after performing well in the Africa qualifiers. But the subsequent 3-0 defeat in the T20 series against Afghanistan will definitely force them to think about changing their approach.
In batting, Zimbabwe can definitely expect Brian Bennett and Dion Myers to give them a good start, while Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, and Ryan Burl are capable of taking the team up the middle order.
Whereas in the pitch conditions of Pakistan, Sikandar Raza can definitely prove to be a big weapon for Zimbabwe in bowling as well. While in the fast bowling department, Zimbabwe will have high hopes from Richard Ngarwa and T Maposa. Ryan Burl and Wellington Masakadza will be seen supporting Sikandar Raza in the spin bowling.
Brad Evans has surprised everyone by taking 17 wickets in the recent 9 matches. Zimbabwe will have high expectations from him in this series as well.
Tip
| Player | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Sikandar Raza | Over 22.5 Runs | 1.85 |
Sikandar Raza is Zimbabwe’s most reliable batter and performs well in Asian conditions. His recent consistency makes this a strong over pick.
PAK vs ZIM Probably Playing XI
Pakistan: Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza(c), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, T Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.
PAK vs ZIM Pitch Report
Rawalpindi cricket ground is known for its batting-friendly pitch, offering excellent conditions for batters. The pitch provides good pace and bounce, making it easy for batsmen to score aggressively. However, the bowlers also get some bowling advantage after the first power play. The spinners will definitely make an impact on a pitch. The average batting score here is 160 runs.
The weather on Tuesday іs expected to be partly sunny, 23°C, wіth 0 % chance of raіn, 41% humіdіty, and wіnds around 5 km/h.
Venue T20I Statistics
| Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 9 |
| Matches won batting first | 1 |
| Matches won bowling first | 6 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 137 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 146 |
| Highest total recorded | 194/9 (20 Ovs) by SA vs PAK |
| Lowest total recorded | 90/10 (18.1 Ovs) by NZ vs PAK |
| Highest score chased | 194/4 (19.2 Ovs) by NZ vs PAK |
| Lowest score defended | 194/9 (20 Ovs) by SA vs PAK |
PAK vs ZIM Winner Prediction
Looking at their past records, Pakistan are the favourites to win this match because of their home advantage and their recent performance. Pakistan has won all three matches played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground against Zimbabwe. Overall, Pakistan has shown its strength against Zimbabwe by winning 18 out of 21 matches. However, Zimbabwe also has the ability to turn the match in its favour in T20.
Pakistan certainly looks like a good team on paper. From Pakistan’s side, Sahibzada Farhan Babar Azam is in good form and has the ability to turn a one-sided match in his favour. Whereas they also have one of the best bowling attacks in the world in T20i. While from Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burrell and Brian Bennett will definitely play well and create problems for Pakistan.
Our Prediction: Pakistan
Our Prediction: Pakistan
ALSO READ: PAK vs SL 3rd ODI 2025: Match Preview, Probable XIs, Pitch Report and Winner Prediction
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