PAK vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction: 1st T20I – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 – Playing 11, Fantasy Tips & Full Match Preview
The opening match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025, featuring Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, kicks off what looks to be an exciting mini-tournament. With Pakistan at home and Zimbabwe trying to upset the hosts, this first game sets the tone. This blog provides a comprehensive PAK vs ZIM Dream11 prediction: updated playing 11, pitch & weather report, team preview, key fantasy picks, captain/vice-captain suggestions, and a match outcome forecast.
🗓 Match Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe |
| Format | T20 International |
| Match Number | 1st Match of Tri-Series |
| Date | 18 November 2025 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Tournament | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe) |
🏏 Pitch Report & Conditions
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium — known for batting-friendly surfaces with some assistance early for pace.
- Average 1st-innings score here in recent T20s: ~157 runs.
- For this match: Expect good batting start; chase likely favourable because of possible dew in later overs.
- Toss factor: Teams batting second may have easier time.
- Weather: Clear conditions expected, little rain risk.
👥 Team Preview
Pakistan (PAK)
- Strong home side; recent form in T20Is solid.
- Opening options: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub.
- Key batters: Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha.
- Bowling attack: Pace attack with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah; spin options present.
- Strengths: Home advantage, depth in pace bowling.
- Areas of concern: Middle order occasionally shaky vs spin; chasing under pressure.
Zimbabwe (ZIM)
- Underdogs but saved nothing to lose; senior players like Sikandar Raza expected to lead.
- Batting: openers Brian Bennett, roles of Ryan Burl, Clive Madande.
- Bowling: Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza in spin/pacer mix.
- Strengths: Nothing to lose, potential to spring surprise.
- Weaknesses: Lower depth compared to Pakistan, weaker pace battery.
🔢 Head-to-Head & Form
- Pakistan vs Zimbabwe in T20Is: Pakistan dominate historically: 18 wins to Zimbabwe’s 3 in 21 games.
- Form: Pakistan entering confident; Zimbabwe looking to build momentum.
✅ Probable Playing 11
Pakistan
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener A | Fakhar Zaman |
| Opener B | Saim Ayub |
| Batter C | Babar Azam |
| Batter D | Salman Ali Agha (C) |
| All-rounder A | Mohammad Nawaz |
| All-rounder B | Faheem Ashraf |
| Wicketkeeper | Sahibzada Farhan |
| Spinner A | Usman Tariq |
| Pacer A | Shaheen Afridi |
| Pacer B | Naseem Shah |
| Spinner B / All-rounder | Usman Khan |
Based on latest probable XI indications.
Zimbabwe
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener X | Brian Bennett |
| Opener Y | Dion Myers |
| Batter | Brendan Taylor (WK) |
| Middle-order Batter | Ryan Burl |
| All-rounder X | Sikandar Raza (C) |
| All-rounder Y | Tashinga Musekiwa |
| Wicketkeeper | Clive Madande |
| Spinner X | Wellington Masakadza |
| Pacer X | Richard Ngarava |
| Pacer Y | Brad Evans |
| Spinner / Utility | Tinotenda Maposa |
Approximate roles based on recent squad listings.
🎯 Fantasy Picks & Dream11 Strategy
Top Batting Picks
- Babar Azam (PAK) — anchor bat, strong record.
- Fakhar Zaman (PAK) — aggressive opener, sets tone.
- Brian Bennett (ZIM) — differential pick from underdog side.
Top All-Rounder Picks
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM) — high ceiling with bat and ball.
- Mohammad Nawaz (PAK) — spins + handy bat; good value.
Top Bowling Picks
- Shaheen Afridi (PAK) — wicket-taking pacer in powerplay & death.
- Richard Ngarava (ZIM) — value pick, can exploit conditions.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Safe: Babar Azam (C) / Fakhar Zaman (VC)
- Risky (GL): Sikandar Raza (C) / Mohammad Nawaz (VC)
Team Composition (Small League)
- 1 WK, 3-4 batters, 2 all-rounders, 3 bowlers.
- Prefer 3 bowlers from PAK, include 1 from ZIM as differential.
Team Composition (Grand League)
- Stack 2 from ZIM for differential value.
- Consider Risk combo: Brian Bennett + Richard Ngarava.
- Spin-heavy teams may exploit later overs.
🎯 PAK vs ZIM Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
On paper, Pakistan are clear favourites. Home advantage, stronger squad depth and historic dominance give them the edge. Zimbabwe will fight hard but theatre suggests Pakistan should win unless early batting collapse or spin shock hits.
Predicted Winner: Pakistan
📝 Key Takeaways
- Rawalpindi pitch likely to favour batters early; chase recommended.
- Pakistan must start strong; Zimbabwe must aim for early wickets.
- For fantasy, picking all-rounders and bowlers who bowl death spells will pay more than just big-hitting batters.
- This match sets tone for the series — both teams keen to impose dominance early.
