The rivalry between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team has been an interesting part of international cricket. Pakistan, known for its unpredictable brilliance and strong bowling attack, has historically dominated this contest. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has shown resilience and fighting spirit despite facing challenges in maintaining consistency. Over the years, matches between these two teams have produced competitive moments, surprising results, and valuable experiences for emerging players. This timeline explores the evolution of their rivalry, highlighting key phases, performances, and how both teams have contributed to international cricket.
Recent: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe National Cricket
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Pakistan Score
Zimbabwe Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Bilateral T20I
Rawalpindi
Nov 23, 2025
Pakistan (bat)
195/5 (20 overs)
126 (19 overs)
Pakistan won by 69 runs
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series
Usman Tariq (PAK) 4/18
Bilateral T20I
Rawalpindi
Nov 18, 2025
Zimbabwe (bat)
151/5 (19.2 overs)
147/8 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series
Babar Azam (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Bulawayo
Dec 5, 2024
Pakistan (bat)
132/7 (20 overs)
133/8 (19.5 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 2 wickets
Bilateral T20I
Brian Bennett (ZIM)
Bilateral T20I
Bulawayo
Dec 3, 2024
Pakistan (bat)
61/0 (5.3 overs)
57 (12.4 overs)
Pakistan won by 10 wickets
Bilateral T20I
Sufiyan Muqeem (PAK) 5/13
Bilateral T20I
Bulawayo
Dec 1, 2024
Pakistan (bat)
165/4 (20 overs)
108 (15.3 overs)
Pakistan won by 57 runs
Bilateral T20I
Tayyab Tahir (PAK)
Bilateral ODI
Bulawayo
Nov 28, 2024
Pakistan (bat)
303/6 (50 overs)
204 (40.1 overs)
Pakistan won by 99 runs
Bilateral ODI
Kamran Ghulam (PAK)
Bilateral ODI
Bulawayo
Nov 26, 2024
Zimbabwe (bat)
148/0 (18.2 overs)
145 (32.3 overs)
Pakistan won by 10 wickets
Bilateral ODI
Saim Ayub (PAK) century
Bilateral ODI
Bulawayo
Nov 24, 2024
Pakistan (field)
60/6 (21 overs)
205 (40.2 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 80 runs (DLS)
Bilateral ODI
Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
T20 World Cup
Perth
Oct 27, 2022
Zimbabwe (bat)
129/8 (20 overs)
130/8 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 1 run
T20 World Cup
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM)
Bilateral T20I
Harare
Apr 25, 2021
Pakistan (bat)
149/7 (20 overs)
138/7 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 11 runs
Bilateral T20I
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
Bilateral Test
Harare
May 7-10, 2021
Pakistan (bat)
510/8d + innings win
132 & 231
Pakistan won by innings & 147 runs
Bilateral Test
Babar Azam (PAK)
Bilateral Test
Harare
Apr 29-May 1, 2021
Zimbabwe (bat)
426 + innings win
176 & 134
Pakistan won by innings & 116 runs
Bilateral Test
Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
Bilateral ODI
Bulawayo
Jul 22, 2018
Pakistan (bat)
317/4 (50 overs)
186 (41.2 overs)
Pakistan won by 131 runs
Bilateral ODI
Sarfraz Ahmed (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Rawalpindi
Nov 10, 2020
Pakistan (bat)
166/3 (20 overs)
158/7 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 8 runs
Bilateral T20I
Mohammad Hafeez (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Rawalpindi
Nov 8, 2020
Pakistan (bat)
172/5 (20 overs)
164/7 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 8 runs
Bilateral T20I
Shadab Khan (PAK)
Head-to-Head Evolution Table
Period/Decade
Tests (PAK Wins / ZIM Wins / Draws)
ODIs (PAK Wins / ZIM Wins / NR/Tie)
T20Is (PAK Wins / ZIM Wins)
Total Matches
PAK Win %
Key Notes & Turning Points
1990s – Early Days
5 / 0 / 1
~15 / 2 / 1
–
~20+
~80%
Pakistan establishes dominance post-1992 WC win; Zim’s first ODI upset rare
2000s
6 / 2 / 2
~20 / 2 / 1
2 / 0
~30
85%+
Peak Zim fightback in Tests (wins in 2002-03); Pakistan crushes in limited-overs
2010s
4 / 1 / 1
~15 / 0 / 0
10 / 1
~30
90%+
T20 upsets begin (Zim shocks in WC 2022); Pakistan sweeps most bilateral
2020s (till now)
2 / 0 / 0
8 / 1 / 0
8 / 2
~18
85%
Recent Zim T20 bravery (2022 WC thriller, 2024 Bulawayo upset); PAK still rules Tests/ODIs
Overall
17 / 3 / 4
56–58 / 5–6 / 4
20 / 3
~100+
~86%
Pakistan dominates massively; Zim’s 3 T20 wins & handful in others keep it exciting!
Top Performances Timeline
Year
Format
Top Performer (Team)
Achievement
Match Context & Impact
2025
T20I
Usman Tariq (PAK)
4/18
Crushed Zim in Rawalpindi tri-series
2025
T20I
Babar Azam (PAK)
Match-winning knock
Guided chase in tri-series
2024
ODI
Kamran Ghulam (PAK)
Century
Powered 303 total in Bulawayo
2024
ODI
Saim Ayub (PAK)
Blazing century
10-wkt chase masterclass
2024
T20I
Brian Bennett (ZIM)
Heroic finishing
Shock 2-wkt win in Bulawayo
2022
T20 WC
Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM)
Clutch bowling
Defended 130 by 1 run vs PAK
2021
Test
Babar Azam (PAK)
Double ton + series dominance
Innings wins in Harare
2021
Test
Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
Fiery spell
Destroyed Zim batting line-up
2020
T20I
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
Quickfire fifty
Key in tight wins
2018
ODI
Sarfraz Ahmed (PAK)
Captain’s knock
Big total in Bulawayo
Older
Various
Inzamam-ul-Haq / Saeed Anwar (PAK)
Multiple tons in ODIs
Classic 90s/2000s dominance
Rare
ODI
Various Zim (Heath Streak era)
Occasional fightbacks
Early 2000s upsets
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches
Type
Margin / Result
Year/Date
Venue
Key Details & Scoreline Highlights
Why Iconic?
Biggest Test Win (PAK)
Innings & 147 runs
May 2021
Harare
PAK 510/8d; ZIM 132 & 231
Total annihilation
Biggest Test Win (PAK)
Innings & 116 runs
Apr-May 2021
Harare
PAK 426; ZIM 176 & 134
Shaheen storm!
Biggest ODI Win (PAK)
99 runs
Nov 2024
Bulawayo
PAK 303/6; ZIM 204
Recent hammering
Biggest ODI Win (PAK)
10 wickets
Nov 2024
Bulawayo
ZIM 145; PAK 148/0
Chase in 18 overs
Biggest T20I Win (PAK)
69 runs
Nov 2025
Rawalpindi
PAK 195/5; ZIM 126
Bowling masterclass
Biggest T20I Win (PAK)
85 runs (historical max)
Various
–
Multiple 70+ run wins
Consistent thrashings
Closest Thriller (ZIM Win)
1 run
Oct 2022
Perth (T20 WC)
PAK 129/8; ZIM 130/8
WC upset of the decade!
Closest Upset (ZIM Win)
2 wickets
Dec 2024
Bulawayo
PAK 132/7; ZIM 133/8
Last-ball drama
Closest (PAK Win)
5 wickets / Tight chases
Nov 2025
Rawalpindi
ZIM 147/8; PAK 151/5
Nerve-wracking finish
Rare ZIM ODI Win
Various (e.g., 80 runs DLS)
Nov 2024
Bulawayo
ZIM 205; PAK 60/6 (DLS)
Shock low chase fail
Early Encounters and Pakistan’s Clear Dominance (1992–2000)
The early matches between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team were largely dominated by Pakistan. Zimbabwe had just entered the international stage and faced a strong Pakistani side with experienced players. Pakistan’s pace attack and batting strength ensured comfortable victories in most matches. However, Zimbabwe showed determination and gained valuable experience from these encounters. This phase established Pakistan as the dominant force in the rivalry.
Year
Event
Format
Winner
1992
First ODI Meeting
ODI
Pakistan
1995
Test Series
Test
Pakistan
1996
World Cup Match
ODI
Pakistan
1999
Bilateral Series
ODI
Pakistan
Zimbabwe’s Growth and Competitive Matches (2001–2005)
Between 2001 and 2005, the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team began improving and challenging Pakistan more effectively. Zimbabwe developed a competitive squad capable of pushing Pakistan in both Tests and ODIs. Matches became closer, with Zimbabwe occasionally securing important wins. Pakistan still maintained an overall advantage, but this period marked a more competitive phase in the rivalry.
Year
Series
Format
Winner
2001
Test Series
Test
Pakistan
2002
ODI Match
ODI
Zimbabwe
2003
World Cup
ODI
Pakistan
2005
Bilateral Series
ODI
Zimbabwe
Pakistan’s Continued Control with Occasional Upsets (2006–2012)
From 2006 to 2012, the Pakistan National Cricket Team continued to dominate, but Zimbabwe managed to produce occasional upsets. Pakistan’s strong bowling attack and experienced players ensured consistent victories. Zimbabwe, despite limited resources, showed fighting spirit and occasionally surprised Pakistan with strong performances. Matches during this period highlighted the gap in consistency between the two teams.
Year
Series
Format
Winner
2006
ODI Series
ODI
Pakistan
2008
T20 Match
T20
Pakistan
2011
ODI Match
ODI
Pakistan
2012
Bilateral Series
ODI
Zimbabwe
Limited-Overs Battles and Zimbabwe’s Fightback (2013–2016)
This period saw Zimbabwe putting up stronger performances, especially in limited-overs cricket. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team showed improvement in batting and bowling, making matches more competitive. Pakistan remained the stronger side overall, but Zimbabwe’s occasional wins added excitement to the rivalry. These encounters highlighted Zimbabwe’s ability to challenge stronger teams under the right conditions.
Year
Series
Format
Winner
2013
ODI Series
ODI
Pakistan
2015
T20 Series
T20
Pakistan
2015
ODI Match
ODI
Zimbabwe
2016
Bilateral Series
ODI
Pakistan
T20 Era and Fast-Paced Matches (2017–2020)
With the rise of T20 cricket, matches between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team became faster and more unpredictable. Pakistan’s depth and experience helped them dominate most encounters, but Zimbabwe’s aggressive approach created exciting moments. High-scoring matches and quick finishes became a common feature of this era.
Year
Tournament
Format
Winner
2017
T20 Series
T20
Pakistan
2018
ODI Series
ODI
Pakistan
2019
T20 Match
T20
Zimbabwe
2020
Bilateral Series
ODI
Pakistan
Modern Rivalry and Emerging Players (2021–2023)
In recent years, both teams have introduced new players and focused on rebuilding. The Pakistan National Cricket Team continues to maintain a strong position, while the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team is developing young talent and improving consistency. Matches have become more competitive, with Zimbabwe occasionally pushing Pakistan to close finishes. This phase reflects the evolving nature of the rivalry.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2021
T20 Series
Pakistan
Pakistan
2022
ODI Match
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2023
T20 Series
Pakistan
Pakistan
2023
ODI Match
Neutral
Pakistan
Future Outlook and Emerging Competition (2024–2026)
Looking ahead, the rivalry between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team is expected to remain competitive. Pakistan will aim to maintain its dominance, while Zimbabwe will look to close the gap and achieve more consistent results. With young players emerging and strategies evolving, future encounters promise exciting cricket and potential surprises.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2024
Bilateral Series
Pakistan
TBD
2025
T20 Match
Zimbabwe
TBD
2026
ICC Event
Neutral
TBD
2026
ODI Series
TBD
TBD
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team reflects a rivalry shaped by dominance and determination. Pakistan has largely controlled the contest with its strong performances, while Zimbabwe has shown resilience and produced occasional upsets. Over time, the rivalry has become more competitive, especially in limited-overs formats. As both teams continue to develop and introduce new talent, future encounters are expected to bring exciting moments, closer matches, and further growth in this evolving cricket rivalry.
