Pakistan cricket fans have had plenty to cheer about in recent weeks, as the national team clinched the T20 tri-series crown against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, dropping just a single game along the way. The triumph comes on the heels of a period of transition and reflection for some of the squad’s biggest stars, none more so than Babar Azam, who remains a central figure in Pakistan’s cricketing narrative.
The tri-series, played in late November 2025, saw Pakistan assert their dominance from the outset. Sahibzada Farhan emerged as the batting sensation, amassing 191 runs in five matches at a blistering strike rate of 147. He notched two half-centuries, including a high score of 80 not out, and recaptured the dazzling form he’d displayed in the Asia Cup against India. Mohammad Nawaz, meanwhile, was named player of the series for his all-round brilliance: 52 runs at a strike rate of 163 and a remarkable 10 wickets at an average of just 10.20. Nawaz’s economy rate of 5.66 kept opposition batters in check and proved decisive in Pakistan’s march to the title.
“It’s a great feeling to help the team win, whether with bat or ball,” Nawaz reflected after the final. His performance in the series was nothing short of stellar, and his ability to contribute in both departments has made him an indispensable asset in the T20 format.
Captain Salman Ali Agha also played a key role, particularly in Pakistan’s only defeat of the series, where his unbeaten 63 stood out as a lone bright spot. Under his leadership, the squad gelled well, with players like Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan stepping up in crucial moments. Fakhar, shuffled down the order to No. 5 and No. 7, delivered a rapid-fire 44 in the opener and a quick 27 against Zimbabwe, rescuing Pakistan from precarious positions. Usman Khan, for his part, was reliable in the lower-middle order, returning unbeaten in three of his four innings and playing a vital role in the team’s stability.
Babar Azam, though no longer captain, remained in the spotlight throughout the series. He scored 127 runs in five matches, with a composed 74 against Zimbabwe standing out. It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Babar—he suffered two ducks—but his calm presence in the final helped steer Pakistan to victory in a low-scoring contest. The series was a mixed bag for the former skipper, but it also marked his return to the national fold after a turbulent year.
Babar’s journey over the past several years has been a rollercoaster. Speaking recently to Kevin Pietersen on the English great’s YouTube show ‘The Switch,’ Babar revealed that his proudest moment as Pakistan captain was the historic win over India at the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. “Beating India means a lot to me. 2022 (2021) when we beat India in T20I. For me, it was one of the best (memories). First time, as a Pakistan captain, I defeated India in the World Cup,” Babar said, his voice tinged with pride and nostalgia.
That victory was indeed a watershed moment for Pakistan cricket. After 12 previous unsuccessful World Cup meetings, Pakistan finally broke the jinx, thrashing their arch-rivals by 10 wickets. Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket burst set the tone, restricting India to 151 despite a resilient fifty from Virat Kohli and a 39-ball cameo by Rishabh Pant. Then, under the Dubai lights, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan chased down the target in just 17.5 overs, finishing unbeaten on 68 and 79 respectively. The win sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and cemented Babar’s status as a modern-day superstar.
Kevin Pietersen, reflecting on the magnitude of the rivalry, told Babar, “I have always said, it’s the biggest sporting event in the world. There is nothing bigger. They talk about the football World Cup final. I wish I could have played in the game. I played the Ashes. I was lucky. I wish I would have been part of an India vs Pakistan game.” Babar concurred, adding, “India vs Pakistan is next level. It’s massive.”
Yet, cricket is a game of ups and downs. Pakistan exited the 2021 T20 World Cup in the semifinals and, despite coming close in subsequent encounters—most notably a dramatic match in Melbourne where Virat Kohli’s heroics denied them—have not beaten India in another ICC tournament since. The disappointment of the 2023 World Cup and a lackluster 2024 T20 World Cup campaign led to Babar’s removal as captain. He was even dropped from the T20I squad earlier in 2025, but a recall against South Africa in October marked his return to the international arena. Now, Babar is laser-focused on a new goal: ending Pakistan’s long wait for an ICC trophy. “I want to win an ICC trophy. We were in the finals, but we have lost. That’s why I am working hard on my fitness and skills. I am trying to be fitter. Now, my body is acting differently, but I am still sharp,” he said.
Babar also credits the 2018–19 tour of South Africa as a turning point in his career. Facing a world-class pace attack featuring the likes of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada, he scored 71 in Centurion, 72 in Cape Town, and 49 in Johannesburg. Although Pakistan lost the series 0–3, Babar’s resilience in hostile conditions gave him the self-belief that he could succeed at the highest level. “In my opinion, the first time I went to South Africa. That series changed my mindset. They had one of the best bowling line-up. Dale Steyn, KG. Against Steyn, that first innings, I scored 70-odd runs. In the second match, I scored 40-odd runs. That tour changed my mindset. Because, then, I realised I can do it at the highest level,” Babar recalled. His unbeaten century against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup—part of a tournament haul of 474 runs, a record for a Pakistani batter—was another milestone that fueled his rise.
As the tri-series ended, Pakistan’s depth was on full display. Saim Ayub contributed both runs and wickets, while bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi (who returned from injury to take 3-18 in the final) and Abrar Ahmed (six wickets in four matches) kept opponents under pressure. Usman Tariq made a memorable impact with a four-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, in his lone appearance against Zimbabwe. Even in adversity, such as Faheem Ashraf’s struggles with both bat and ball, the team found ways to adapt and win.
With the T20 tri-series trophy now in the cabinet, the focus shifts to bigger challenges ahead. Pakistan’s blend of youth and experience, coupled with the hunger of players like Babar Azam to deliver on the global stage, sets the stage for an intriguing season. The Men in Green have shown they can bounce back, and fans will be watching eagerly as they chase that elusive ICC title.
For now, Pakistan cricket is riding a wave of optimism, buoyed by recent success and the promise of more to come. The road ahead may be tough, but with performances like these, belief is running high in the camp and among supporters worldwide.
