Fakhar, Nawaz earn Pakistan first points in tri-series opener

Zimbabwe lost seven wickets for 37 runs to slip to 147 for 8, when a total greater than 180 had been on the cards. Still, they pushed Pakistan's chase into the final over, their seamers striking three times in the powerplay to slow Pakistan's advance, before also squeezing the hosts in the middle overs.

Pakistan's No. 5, 6, and 7 batters dug them out of the hole however. Playing his comeback T20I innings, Fakhar Zaman hit 44 off 32, putting on a 61-run partnership with Usman Khan. Usman was then joined by Mohammad Nawaz, who had earlier been the best of Pakistan's bowlers. The required rate had become something of a challenge at this stage, but Nawaz's 20 off 12 balls ensured the victory was ultimately comfortable.

Had Brian Bennett held a straightforward chance off Nawaz on the midwicket boundary, with 15 needed off 10, perhaps Zimbabwe could have mounted a sterner challenge at the business end. In the end, Nawaz struck the winning boundary with four balls to spare.