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“Wasn’t expecting hat-trick…”: Usman Tariq ‘thanks’ Zimbabwe batter for playing big shot

Aakash Saini

Usman Tariq [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x]Usman Tariq [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x]

Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq scripted history against Zimbabwe in match four of the Pakistan T20I tri-series 2025 in Rawalpindi. Claiming match-winning figures of 4-18, the cricketer also collected a sensational hat-trick, thus becoming only the fourth Pakistani cricketer in history to do so in a T20I game.

Fittingly adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance, Usman Tariq said that he feels “blessed to have the honour” of picking up a hat-trick, and he also thanked Zimbabwe batter Wellington Masakadza for playing a rash shot on his hat-trick ball.

Usman Tariq credits captain Salman Agha for his POTM

While speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, ‘Player of the Match’ Usman Tariq expressed his excitement of picking up a rare T20I hat-trick for Pakistan. Amid much controversies regarding his objectionable action, the cricketer also addressed his bowling style and how he was assisted by his coaches back in Peshawar.

Usman Tariq said:

“Blessed to have the honour of picking up the hat-trick. You have to be balanced, body should go forward, that is what helps me with my action. There's a big process behind my action, my coaches back in Peshawar, they brought me two kinds of variation. I need to take care of pace and spin variations.”

Usman Tariq also admitted that he was not excepting a big shot from Zimbabwe tailender Wellington Masakadza on his hat-trick delivery. He added:

“I wasn't expecting a big shot on the hat-trick ball, thanks to the batter. Credit to my captain.”

Becoming only the fourth Pakistani cricketer in history to snare a T20I hat-trick, Usman Tariq joined the likes of Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain and active teammate Mohammad Nawaz in an exclusive club.

Moreover, the 27-year-old attained the feat in just the second T20I of his international career, having made his debut earlier this month against South Africa.