Usman Tariq’s Stunning Hat-Trick Derails Zimbabwe in T20I Series
Rawalpindi – In a dramatic turn of events during the Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe T20I series, mystery spinner Usman Tariq announced his arrival on the international stage with a sensational hat-trick on Sunday. After being sidelined for the first three matches, Tariq’s fiery spell dismantled the Zimbabwe batting lineup, leaving them reeling at 60/7. The 22-year-old finished with remarkable figures of 4/18, a performance that instantly etched his name into Pakistani cricket folklore.
Usman Tariq takes a HAT-TRICK against Zimbabwe in his 2nd T20I!
He becomes the fourth Pakistan bowler to take a T20I hat-trick!#PAKvZIMpic.twitter.com/8YOjrAmazJ
— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) November 23, 2025
Tariq’s victims included Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza, all falling prey to his deceptive spin in the 10th over. This remarkable feat makes him only the fourth Pakistani bowler to achieve a hat-trick in T20I cricket. Faheem Ashraf was the first, claiming a hat-trick against Sri Lanka in 2017. Mohammad Hasnain followed suit against Sri Lanka in 2019, and Mohammad Nawaz added his name to the list earlier this year against Afghanistan. Could Tariq’s emergence signal a new era for Pakistani spin bowling?
The Rise of a Mystery Spinner
Usman Tariq’s journey to this pivotal moment hasn’t been without its challenges. Often described as a ‘mystery spinner’ due to his unconventional action and variations, Tariq has been steadily honing his skills in domestic cricket. His ability to impart significant turn, even on relatively unresponsive pitches, has made him a valuable asset. This performance against Zimbabwe is likely to accelerate his development and potentially secure his place in future Pakistani squads.
The match itself saw Pakistan setting a competitive total of 195 in the first innings, largely thanks to Sahibzada Farhan’s brisk 63 and a composed 74 from Babar Azam. Fakhar Zaman’s quickfire 27 off just 10 deliveries provided a late-innings boost. Zimbabwe’s batting struggled to cope with the Pakistani attack, with only Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl managing to reach double figures. Burl’s resilient half-century, however, did manage to push Zimbabwe past the 100-run mark.
Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets for Pakistan. Zimbabwe had previously lost their opening match of the tri-series against the same opposition, highlighting their struggles in the tournament. The series is scheduled to conclude on November 29th, with the final potentially featuring Zimbabwe or Sri Lanka, both of whom have faced difficulties throughout the competition. What adjustments will Zimbabwe need to make to compete effectively in the remaining matches?
The performance underscores the growing depth in Pakistan’s spin bowling resources. With established stars like Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim, the emergence of Tariq provides further options for captain Babar Azam and coach Saqlain Mushtaq. ESPNcricinfo’s profile of Usman Tariq details his impressive domestic record, showcasing his potential for sustained success at the international level.
Beyond the immediate impact on the series, Tariq’s hat-trick serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. A single over can dramatically shift the momentum of a match, and Tariq’s spell was a prime example of this. The ICC’s official report on the match provides further insights into the key moments and turning points.
Frequently Asked Questions About Usman Tariq’s Hat-Trick
A: Usman Tariq is considered a ‘mystery spinner’ due to his unconventional bowling action and the variety of deliveries he employs, making it difficult for batsmen to read him.
A: Before Usman Tariq, three Pakistani bowlers had taken a hat-trick in T20I cricket: Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Nawaz.
A: Usman Tariq finished with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 18 runs (4/18) in his spell against Zimbabwe.
A: Usman Tariq dismissed Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza to complete his hat-trick.
A: Pakistan scored a total of 195 runs in the first innings against Zimbabwe.
Don’t miss out on the latest cricket news and analysis! Share this article with your fellow cricket enthusiasts and join the discussion in the comments below. What do you think of Usman Tariq’s potential? Will he become a mainstay in the Pakistani team?
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