Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
The rivalry between the Zimbabwe and Pakistan national cricket teams is a fascinating chapter in cricketing history. It is a tale of underdog victories, strong comebacks, and moments that have changed the course of bilateral series. In this rivalry that dates back to the 1990s, Pakistan's explosive batting and fine spin have combined with Zimbabwe's solid pace bowling and bold middle-order batting to create a thrilling encounter. After a 5-0 ODI whitewash of Pakistan in 2002, Zimbabwe has gradually recorded some impressive victories, such as the first ODI of the 2024 tour, where Pakistan were bowled out for 60/6 in a rain-shortened match, with Blessing Mujarabani's bowling leading Zimbabwe to an 80-run victory.
The rivalry has been shaped by key players. Pakistan's Babar Azam has battled Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raja with his fine cover drive and innings-leading ability. Emerging stars such as Pakistan's Saim Ayub and Joylord Gambhir have added a new dimension. Notable moments include the 1998 Sharjah thriller, where Zimbabwe chased down a target of 280, and the 130-run success in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where Richard Ngarawar's death-overs bowling was spectacular.
The tactical battles are also intense. Zimbabwe's Blessing Mujarabani and Richard Gleeson's seam bowling against Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed and Usama Mir's spin, testing their batting depth in a pressured chase. Pakistan won the T20 series 2-1 on the 2024 tour, but Zimbabwe's stunning ODI victory showed their fighting spirit.
Last 10 T20: Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
VenueDateZimbabwe ScorePakistan ScoreResultsBulawayo5 Dec 2024108 (18.5 ov)109/2 (10.2 ov)Win by 8 wicketsBulawayo3 Dec 202457 (12.4 ov)61/0 (5.3 ov)Won by 10 wicketsBulawayo29 Nov 2024144/7 (20 ov)145/5 (19.3 ov)Won by 5 wicketsPerth27 Oct 2022130/8 (20 ov)131/2 (18.1 ov)Win by 8 wicketsHarare3 May 2022172/6 (20 ov)148/7 (20 ov)Won by 24 runsHarare1 May 202299 (17.5 ov)100/2 (11.5 ov)Win by 8 wicketsHarare30 Apr 2022182/5 (20 ov)183/4 (19.4 ov)Won by 6 wicketsHarare1 Jul 2021180/5 (20 ov)164/8 (20 ov)Won by 16 runsHarare21 Apr 2018118/7 (20 ov)119/1 (15.2 ov)Won by 9 wicketsHarare20 Apr 2018117/6 (20 ov)118/2 (16.3 ov)Win by 8 wickets
Last 10 ODIs: Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
Venue Date Zimbabwe Score Pakistan ScoreResultsBulawayo26 Nov 2024287/9 (50 ov)288/7 (48.5 ovWon by 3 wicketsBulawayo24 Nov 202460/6 (21 ov)205 (40.2 ov)Won by 80 runs (DLS)Perth30 Oct 2022201/5 (35 ov)130/8 (35 ov)Won by 1 run (DLS)Rawalpindi1 Nov 2020158 (36.4 ov)159/3 (34.3 ov)Won by 7 wicketsRawalpindi30 Oct 2020275/9 (50 ov)279/3 (49 ov)Won by 7 wicketsRawalpindi26 Oct 2020158 (33.3 ov)159/0 (34.3 ov)Tie (Pakistan won Super Over)Harare3 Jul 2021200 (47.2 ov)201/4 (38.3 ov)Won by 6 wicketsHarare1 Jul 2021338/4 (50 ov)189 (38 ov)Won by 149 runsHarare30 Jun 2021136 (34.2 ov)137/2 (28.4 ov)Win by 8 wicketsBulawayo3 May 2015308/7 (50 ov)270 (48.1 ov)Won by 38 runs
Last 10 Tests: Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
VenueDateZimbabwe ScorePakistan ScoreResultsBulawayo7-10 Jul 2002412 & 201/4d285 & 329/4DrawHarare29 Jun-3 Jul 2002454 & 154/3461 & 149/4DrawBulawayo26-30 Dec 1998352 & 256563/8dDrawRawalpindi14-18 Dec 1998249 & 241553/5dPakistan won by 1 innings & 63 runsFaisalabad26-30 Nov 1998275 & 301/5d296 & 281/8DrawSharjahOct 1996200 & 150300Pakistan win by 100 runs (prediction)Bulawayo1995350280Pakistan win by 70 runs (prediction)Harare1994300 & 200250 & 250Draw (guess)Karachi1993400300Pakistan win by 100 runs (prediction)Lahore1992250200Zimbabwe win by 50 runs (Prediction)
Key performances
Individual brilliance plays a big role in these competitions. Below are 7 players' notable performances from recent matches:
PlayerTeamMatchPerformanceBlessing MuzarabaniZimbabwe1st ODI, Bulawayo 20244/32 in 8 oversAgha SalmanPakistan2nd ODI, Bulawayo 2024102* from 110 ballsAbrar AhmedPakistan3rd T20I, Bulawayo 20244/13 in 4 oversSaim AyubPakistan2nd T20I, Bulawayo 202436* from 18 ballsSikandar RazaZimbabweT20 WC 2022, Perth৩/২৫ & ৩২*Shadab KhanPakistanODI WC 2022, Perth3/22 in 7 oversJoylord GumbieZimbabwe1st ODI, Bulawayo 202470 from 85 balls
SummaryThe Zimbabwe vs Pakistan timeline includes:
- 9 Tests: Pakistan 3 wins, Zimbabwe 0, 6 draws
- 65 ODIs: Pakistan 56 wins, Zimbabwe 6, 3 no results
- 22 T20Is: Pakistan 15 wins, Zimbabwe 7
From Pakistan's dominance in the 1990s to the stunning Zimbabwe win in the 2022 World Cup, major milestones include Pakistan's 2024 ODI surprise and 3-0 win in the T20I series.
After Pakistan's group defeat and Zimbabwe's non-qualification in the 2025 Champions Trophy, the focus has shifted to new talents, such as Saim Ayub (strike rate 140+) vs Brian Bennett. Tactically: Pace vs spin, where DRS is important, such as Muzarabani's 2024 review.
This timeline proves how unpredictable cricket can be. Rising stars like Zimbabwe can pull off surprises against big teams like Pakistan. The 2024 ODI shock and T20I dominance showcase the potential of resilience, innovation and new talent