Usman Tariq joins elite list after taking hat-trick in tri-series clash against Zimbabwe

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq took a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in Match 4 of the T20I Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 23. Tariq joined an elite club of Pakistan cricketers after dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting line-up and became the fourth bowler to take a hat-trick for Pakistan in T20Is.

Pakistan secured their place in the tri-series final after a dominant win over Zimbabwe. They extended their unbeaten run in the series, having beaten Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka earlier. Tariq produced a match-winning spell that earned him the Player of the Match award. Pakistan won by 69 runs in a one-sided contest.

Usman Tariq Becomes Fourth Pakistani to Take Hat-Trick in Men’s T20Is

Usman Tariq entered the attack in the 8th over, giving away nine runs. However, he returned in the 10th over and ran through Zimbabwe with a hat-trick. He removed Tony Munyonga first, then shattered Tashinga Musekiwa’s stumps, and picked up the wicket of Wellington Masakadza to complete the hat-trick.

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In the space of three deliveries, Zimbabwe collapsed from 59/4 to 60/7. Tariq later picked up Tinotenda Maposa to end his spell with 4 for 18 from four overs.

The 30-year-old joined Faheem Ashraf (2017), Mohammad Hasnain (2019), and Mohammad Nawaz (2025) among Pakistan’s elite hat-trick takers in men’s T20Is.

I Feel Truly Blessed and Honored - Usman Tariq

Usman Tariq said that he felt grateful to take the hat-trick and receive the Player of the Match award. Tariq also noted that developing control and variation takes time, something he has been working on closely with his coaches.

"I feel truly blessed and honored. I hope I can continue performing well in the future. It's hard to explain what I was feeling in that moment (pause during the delivery stride), but for me it feels quite natural. In spin bowling, the basics are key - your body needs to stay balanced and move forward."

"I’ve been working on that a lot, especially with my coaches, and it’s really helped. There’s a long process behind it (talking about control and variation)," Tariq said.

Honestly, I Wasn’t Expecting It - Usman Tariq on Hat-Trick Ball

Usman Tariq admitted that he didn’t expect Wellington Masakadza to play the shot on the hat-trick ball. He also thanked Salman Ali Agha for backing him, noting that the captain encouraged him to trust his instincts and set the field exactly as needed.

"My coaches back in Peshawar - Aslam Qureshi and Zoya Khan - helped me a lot. They taught me that variation isn’t only about spin, but also about pace. Many bowlers don’t focus on that nowadays, so I’ve worked hard to control both," Tariq continued.

"Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it (talking about the shot off the hat-trick ball), but I’m thankful he (Wellington Masakadza) went for it. I have to give credit to Salman Ali Agha for the confidence he showed in me. He told me to bowl whatever I felt was right, and the field was set perfectly. I’m really happy."

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