The rivalry between the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team has been a compelling mix of dominance, resilience, and occasional surprises. While Pakistan has traditionally held the upper hand, Zimbabwe has produced memorable performances that have added excitement to this contest. Their timeline reflects the evolution of both teams across different eras of international cricket.
Recent Head-to-Head Timeline
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Zimbabwe Score
Pakistan Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series
Rawalpindi
Nov 23, 2025
Pakistan (bat)
126 (19 overs)
195/5 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 69 runs
Tri-Series T20I
– (data not listed in primary sources)
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series
Rawalpindi
Nov 18, 2025
Pakistan (field)
147/8 (20 overs)
151/5 (19.2 overs)
Pakistan won by 5 wkts
Tri-Series T20I
Mohammad Nawaz (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Bulawayo
Dec 5, 2024
Pakistan (bat)
133/8 (19.5 overs)
132/7 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 2 wkts
Bilateral T20I
Brian Bennett (ZIM)
Bilateral T20I
Bulawayo
Dec 3, 2024
Zimbabwe (bat)
57 (12.4 overs)
61/0 (5.3 overs)
Pakistan won by 10 wkts
Bilateral T20I
Sufiyan Muqeem (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Bulawayo
Dec 1, 2024
Pakistan (bat)
108 (15.3 overs)
165/4 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 57 runs
Bilateral T20I
Tayyab Tahir (PAK)
Bilateral ODI
Bulawayo
Nov 28, 2024
Pakistan (bat)
204 (40.1 overs)
303/6 (50 overs)
Pakistan won by 99 runs
Bilateral ODI
Kamran Ghulam (PAK)
Bilateral ODI
Bulawayo
Nov 26, 2024
Zimbabwe (bat)
145 (32.3 overs)
148/0 (18.2 overs)
Pakistan won by 10 wkts
Bilateral ODI
Saim Ayub (PAK)
Bilateral ODI
Bulawayo
Nov 24, 2024
Pakistan (field)
205 (40.2 overs)
60/6 (21 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 80 runs (DLS)
Bilateral ODI
Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
Year-wise Key Matches Timeline
Year
Format
Date
Venue
Key Result
Winner
Margin
Player of the Match
2025
T20I
Nov 23, 2025
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Pakistan 195/5 bt Zimbabwe 126 (19 ov)
Pakistan
69 runs
Not officially listed
2025
T20I
Nov 18, 2025
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Pakistan 151/5 (19.2 ov) bt Zimbabwe 147/8
Pakistan
5 wickets
Mohammad Nawaz (PAK)
2024
ODI
Nov 28, 2024
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Pakistan 303/6 bt Zimbabwe 204 (40.1 ov)
Pakistan
99 runs
Kamran Ghulam (PAK)
2024
ODI
Nov 26, 2024
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Pakistan 148/0 (18.2 ov) bt Zimbabwe 145
Pakistan
10 wickets
Saim Ayub (PAK)
2024
ODI
Nov 24, 2024
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Zimbabwe 205 bt Pakistan 60/6 (DLS)
Zimbabwe
80 runs (DLS)
Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
2024
T20I
Dec 05, 2024
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Zimbabwe 133/8 (19.5 ov) bt Pakistan 132/7
Zimbabwe
2 wickets
Brian Bennett (ZIM)
2024
T20I
Dec 03, 2024
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Pakistan 61/0 (5.3 ov) bt Zimbabwe 57
Pakistan
10 wickets
Sufiyan Muqeem (PAK)
2024
T20I
Dec 01, 2024
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Pakistan 165/4 bt Zimbabwe 108 (15.3 ov)
Pakistan
57 runs
Tayyab Tahir (PAK)
Tournament-wise Encounters Timeline
Tournament / Series
Year
No. of Matches
Pakistan Wins
Zimbabwe Wins
Notable Highlights
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series (with Sri Lanka)
2025
2 (vs Zim)
2
0
Dominant Pakistan batting displays in Rawalpindi
Bilateral ODI Series (Pakistan in Zimbabwe)
2024
3
2
1
Zimbabwe’s shock DLS win in 1st ODI
Bilateral T20I Series (Pakistan in Zimbabwe)
2024
3
2
1
Zimbabwe’s thrilling last-over chase in 3rd T20I
Earlier Bilateral & ICC Events
Pre-2024
Multiple
Majority
Few
Pakistan holds strong historical dominance
Player of the Match Awards Table
Match Date
Format
Player of the Match
Team
Key Performance Highlight
Nov 28, 2024
ODI
Kamran Ghulam
PAK
All-round contribution in big win
Nov 26, 2024
ODI
Saim Ayub
PAK
Unbeaten opening knock in chase
Nov 24, 2024
ODI
Sikandar Raza
ZIM
Match-winning all-round display
Dec 05, 2024
T20I
Brian Bennett
ZIM
Heroic finishing innings
Dec 03, 2024
T20I
Sufiyan Muqeem
PAK
Devastating bowling spell
Dec 01, 2024
T20I
Tayyab Tahir
PAK
Aggressive batting
Nov 18, 2025
T20I
Mohammad Nawaz
PAK
Match-winning all-round show
Early Years and Pakistan’s Strong Start (1983–1995)
The rivalry began in the early 1980s when Zimbabwe entered international cricket. Pakistan, already an established cricketing nation, dominated most encounters during this period. With a strong bowling attack and experienced batters, Pakistan consistently outperformed Zimbabwe in both Tests and ODIs. Zimbabwe, still adjusting to the international stage, struggled with consistency but showed glimpses of potential. Matches were often one-sided, yet they played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s development. Facing a top team like Pakistan helped Zimbabwe gain valuable experience and build confidence for future competitions.
Period
Matches
Dominant Team
Key Feature
1983–1989
ODIs
Pakistan
Experience Gap
1990–1995
Bilateral
Pakistan
Strong Control
Zimbabwe’s Golden Era and Competitive Battles (1996–2003)
Between 1996 and 2003, Zimbabwe enjoyed its most successful phase in international cricket, making the rivalry more competitive. With a balanced team and improved performances, Zimbabwe managed to challenge Pakistan in several matches. This period saw closer contests, with Zimbabwe occasionally securing notable victories. Pakistan remained a strong side, but Zimbabwe’s confidence and consistency made matches unpredictable. This era marked the peak of Zimbabwe’s competitiveness against Pakistan, creating some memorable encounters.
Year Range
Dominant Side
Key Feature
Highlight
1996–1999
Balanced
Zimbabwe Rise
Close Matches
2000–2003
Mixed
Competitive
Notable Wins
Pakistan’s Dominance Returns (2004–2010)
After Zimbabwe’s golden era, Pakistan regained complete control of the rivalry. Zimbabwe faced internal challenges and a decline in performance, which affected their competitiveness. Pakistan capitalized on this phase, winning most matches comfortably across formats. Their strong batting lineup and effective bowling ensured consistent victories. Zimbabwe struggled to maintain stability, leading to a significant gap between the two teams. This period was largely one-sided, with Pakistan dominating the rivalry once again.
Period
Matches
Dominant Team
Key Feature
2004–2007
Bilateral
Pakistan
One-sided Matches
2008–2010
Multi-format
Pakistan
Strong Comeback
Memorable Upsets and Zimbabwe’s Fightback (2011–2016)
Despite Pakistan’s dominance, Zimbabwe produced some memorable performances during this period. The most notable moment came when Zimbabwe secured a historic ODI victory over Pakistan, showcasing their potential to challenge stronger teams. Matches became more competitive, with Zimbabwe displaying resilience and fighting spirit. Pakistan still held the upper hand overall, but Zimbabwe’s occasional victories added excitement to the rivalry. These encounters proved that Zimbabwe could compete with top teams on their day.
Year
Event
Winner
Highlight
2013
ODI Series
Pakistan
Close Matches
2015
ODI Match
Zimbabwe
Historic Win
2016
Series
Pakistan
Competitive
Modern Era: Pakistan’s Consistency vs Zimbabwe’s Growth (2017–Present)
In recent years, Pakistan has maintained its dominance, consistently winning matches across formats. Zimbabwe, however, has shown gradual improvement, with young players stepping up and delivering better performances. Matches are now more competitive, with Zimbabwe occasionally challenging Pakistan in key moments. The rise of T20 cricket has added excitement, making encounters faster and more unpredictable. This phase reflects Zimbabwe’s rebuilding process and Pakistan’s continued strength as a top cricketing nation.
Year
Format
Winner
Event
2017–2019
ODI/T20
Pakistan
Strong Performance
2020–2022
Series
Pakistan
Consistency
2023–Present
Multi-format
Ongoing
Competitive Matches
Key Players and Match-Winning Contributions
The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan rivalry has featured several outstanding players over the years. Pakistan legends like Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq have delivered match-winning performances, while Zimbabwe has relied on players such as Andy Flower and Heath Streak. These players have played crucial roles in shaping the rivalry with their skill and consistency.
Player
Team
Role
Contribution
Wasim Akram
Pakistan
Bowler
Swing Master
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Pakistan
Batter
Match Winner
Andy Flower
Zimbabwe
Batter
Consistency
Heath Streak
Zimbabwe
All-rounder
Leadership
Future Outlook and Rivalry Development
The future of the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan rivalry looks promising as both teams continue to evolve. Pakistan remains a strong and consistent side, while Zimbabwe is rebuilding with young talent and improved performances. Increased opportunities through ICC tournaments and bilateral series will provide Zimbabwe with more chances to challenge Pakistan. This rivalry reflects the broader development of international cricket, where emerging teams strive to compete with established powers.
Factor
Zimbabwe
Pakistan
Impact
Strength
Developing
Strong
Competitive Matches
Talent
Emerging
Experienced
Pakistan Edge
Future
Improving
Stable
Growing Rivalry
Conclusion
The timeline of the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team rivalry highlights a journey of dominance, resilience, and occasional surprises. While Pakistan has largely controlled the contest, Zimbabwe’s memorable performances have added excitement and unpredictability. From competitive battles in the late 1990s to modern-day encounters, this rivalry reflects the evolving nature of international cricket. Zimbabwe’s gradual improvement and Pakistan’s consistent strength ensure that future matches will remain engaging. As both teams continue to develop and compete, this rivalry will play an important role in showcasing the growth and diversity of cricket on the global stage.
