Usman Tariq [Source: @RayhamUnplugged/x]
Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq picked up a sensational hat-trick against Zimbabwe in match number four of the 2025 Pakistan T20I tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Playing just the second international match of his career and his first of the series, Tariq dismissed Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa and Wellington Masakadza in successive deliveries to dismantle Zimbabwe in their run-chase.
In doing so, the 27-year-old also became only the fourth Pakistani cricketer in history to pick up a hat-trick in a T20I game. Incidentally, Usman Tariq’s triple blow also landed in the midst of growing debate over his controversial bowling action.
Usman Tariq becomes fourth Pakistani cricketer to pick a hat-trick
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq dismissed Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa and Wellington Masakadza; the latter two for first-ball ducks in match four of the 2025 Pakistan T20I tri-series on Sunday, November 23.
In doing so, Tariq became only the fourth Pakistani cricketer to collect a hat-trick in T20Is, joining the likes of Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain and active teammate Mohammad Nawaz. Interestingly, Nawaz picked up his hat-trick just a couple of months ago in Sharjah during a 2025 UAE T20I tri-series game against Afghanistan.
Usman Tariq made his international debut earlier this month itself during the series-deciding third T20I match against South Africa in Lahore. He conceded just 26 runs off his four overs in the game, picking up the prized scalps of Dewald Brevis and Reeza Hendricks as Pakistan crushed South Africa by four wickets to clinch series 2-1.
However, his debut game got overshadowed by social media outrage over the suspect nature of his action. Several fans took to X and shared pictures of his action, alleging him to be chucking and urging the ICC to take strict action against the Pakistani spinner.
