Off-spinner Usman Tariq etched his name in Pakistan’s T20 International history by claiming a spectacular hat-trick against Zimbabwe. This remarkable achievement places him among an elite group of Pakistani bowlers to have accomplished the feat in the shortest format of the game. Tariq’s brilliance came during the recent tri-series clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where his bowling prowess was on full display.
He dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup by taking three crucial wickets in a single over. Tariq’s first victim was Tony Munyonga, caught at short fine leg. He then followed it up by sending Tashinga Musekiwa back to the pavilion for a golden duck. The final wicket of his hat-trick saw Wellington Masakadza depart, with the catch expertly taken at long-on by captain Babar Azam.
This historic moment marks Usman Tariq as the fourth Pakistani bowler to achieve a T20I hat-trick, joining the esteemed company of Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Nawaz. The impressive performance by Tariq contributed significantly to Pakistan’s dominant 69-run victory over Zimbabwe. This win propels Pakistan into the final of the tri-series, where they will look to clinch the title. The team has shown exceptional form, winning all their matches in the tournament thus far, underscoring their strength and preparation for the final showdown.