Key Points
- Initiate the T20I Tri-series on November 18, 2025, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka also competing.
- Highlight Pakistan’s strong momentum from recent white-ball series wins and their balanced squad led by captain Salman Ali Agha and star batsman Babar Azam.
- Note Zimbabwe’s challenge to overcome inconsistent form with key players like Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor aiming to compete against Pakistan’s home advantage.
The stage is set for an electrifying start to the T20I Tri-series in Rawalpindi as Pakistan, brimming with confidence after a string of recent successes, prepares to lock horns with Zimbabwe in the opening clash. With Sri Lanka also in the mix, this tournament serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for all three teams ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup slated for next year in India and Sri Lanka. But tonight, all eyes are on Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the hosts will look to assert their dominance against a Zimbabwean side eager to shake off their underdog status and make a statement.
The tournament kicks off on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM IST (1:00 PM GMT, 6:00 PM local time), with the toss scheduled for half an hour prior. The historic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, known for its lively, batting-friendly pitches, is expected to play host to a high-scoring contest, especially with dew likely to play a part in the second innings. Teams batting second have often found it easier to chase under lights, and captains will be eyeing the toss keenly as they weigh their options.
Pakistan enters this tri-series riding a wave of momentum. Just a day before, the home side completed a clinical 3-0 ODI sweep over Sri Lanka, with Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Wasim starring in the final match. Rizwan’s unbeaten 61 and Wasim’s three-wicket haul underscored the depth and balance in Pakistan’s squad. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led the team to a 2-1 ODI win over South Africa earlier this month, summed up the mood perfectly: “I think winning a series gives great happiness. We bowled well in this series, so it’s promising for the future.”
Now, the baton passes to the T20I outfit, led by Salman Ali Agha. The squad boasts a blend of seasoned campaigners and explosive young talent. Babar Azam anchors the batting, flanked by the likes of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub at the top—both capable of lighting up the powerplay with their aggressive strokeplay. The middle order, featuring all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf, ensures that Pakistan can accelerate at any stage. The bowling attack remains formidable, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah spearheading the pace battery, ably supported by spin and seam options in the squad.
Salman Ali Agha, looking ahead to the tri-series, emphasized its importance in the lead-up to the World Cup: “The tri-series comes at an ideal time for us. It allows the group to play consistent cricket against two competitive sides and further refine our T20I plans ahead of the all-important ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year,” he told the official website of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He added, “We have produced encouraging performances in recent months, winning the tri-series in Sharjah, qualifying for the final of the Asia Cup and winning white-ball series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.”
Pakistan’s recent white-ball form has indeed been impressive. After reaching the final of the Men’s Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this year—falling just short against India—the team bounced back to claim series victories over both South Africa and Sri Lanka. With a squad full of in-form players and home advantage, expectations are high for the hosts to start strong in the tri-series.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, arrives in Rawalpindi with a point to prove. Led by the indomitable Sikandar Raza, the visitors will be without the services of key pacer Blessing Muzarabani. However, the return of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor adds a wealth of experience to the lineup. The bowling attack, featuring Richard Ngarava and spin specialist Ryan Burl, will have to punch above its weight to contain Pakistan’s powerful batting order. The team recently tasted success by winning the Africa qualifiers but also endured a tough 0-3 defeat against Afghanistan—evidence of their fluctuating form.
For Zimbabwe, the tri-series is more than just a set of matches—it’s a vital opportunity to acclimatize to subcontinent conditions and test their mettle against two full-member nations. Raza’s leadership and all-round skills will be central to Zimbabwe’s hopes, but the young squad will need to deliver a collective, spirited performance to challenge the hosts. The head-to-head record in T20Is is heavily stacked against Zimbabwe: Pakistan has won 18 of the 21 encounters, with Zimbabwe claiming just three victories. But cricket has a way of springing surprises—could tonight be one of those nights?
The tri-series format sees each team playing four league matches, with the top two advancing to the final on Saturday, November 29. All matches are scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, giving teams the chance to adapt to the conditions as the tournament progresses. While the matches won’t be broadcast on Indian television, fans can catch all the action live on the Sports TV YouTube channel—ensuring the global cricket community stays tuned in.
Looking at the probable outcomes, analysts predict that Pakistan will start as favorites regardless of whether they bat or bowl first. On a typical Rawalpindi surface, Zimbabwe’s powerplay score is expected to hover between 45-60, with a total in the 145-175 range, depending on the innings. Pakistan’s powerful lineup and home advantage make them the team to beat, but cricket’s unpredictability is what makes it so compelling. A spirited Zimbabwean performance could turn the tables and set the tone for a fiercely competitive series.
For fans, the return of tri-series cricket to Pakistan is a celebration in itself. The country has played a pivotal role in reviving this format, hosting three of the four full-member tri-series scheduled for 2025. The last ODI series was not without its drama—security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad led to the postponement of the second ODI against Sri Lanka, but improved arrangements allowed the tour to continue and finish on a high note. Now, with the focus firmly on T20 cricket, anticipation is sky-high.
As the teams take the field tonight, both Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be eager to shake off any early nerves and lay down a marker for the rest of the tournament. The hosts, buoyed by recent success and home support, will look to maintain their dominance, while Zimbabwe, led by the ever-determined Raza, aims to upset the odds. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, every run, wicket, and tactical decision in this tri-series carries extra significance.
The opening match of the T20I Tri-series promises high-octane action, strategic intrigue, and a glimpse into the preparations of three teams with their sights set on global glory. As darkness falls over Rawalpindi and the floodlights come to life, cricket fans across the world will be watching—hoping for drama, brilliance, and perhaps, a few surprises along the way.
With the action about to get underway, one thing is certain: the road to the T20 World Cup starts here, and every ball in Rawalpindi will count.
