Usman Tariq, a mysterious spinner, played a spellbinding T20 tri-series match against Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi on November 23, 2025. He claimed a fantastic hat trick to finish with 4/18 and help Pakistan reach the final. (Dawn)
He struck in the 10th over, removing Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, and Wellington Masakadza with three successive deliveries, a feat that left Zimbabwe reeling at 60-7.
Usman then cleaned up Tinotenda Maposa later in the innings, sealing his best-ever T20I match return.
With this achievement, Tariq became only the fourth Pakistani bowler to register a hat-trick in men’s T20 internationals, joining the elite list of Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Nawaz. (Outlook India)
His dramatic spell helped bowl out Zimbabwe for 126 in 19 overs, while Pakistan’s strong total of 195/5 (fueled by Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan) proved more than enough to win by 69 runs. (Dawn)
Tariq, speaking after the match, said his bowling action depends heavily on subtle variations in pace and spin, and that he did not expect a big shot on the hat-trick delivery, crediting the batsman for his own clever work.
His exploits earned him the Player of the Match award and cemented his status as Pakistan’s “x-factor,” according to captain Salman Ali Agha.
This milestone significantly enhances Tariq’s career, particularly given his unorthodox bowling technique.
Early Life & Background
Born on June 7, 1995, in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Usman Tariq played tape-ball cricket as a child before moving on to more official cricket circuits.
His early career was slow and filled with setbacks, leading him to temporarily move to the UAE for work after losing confidence in cricket.
Unfortunately, it was the Bollywood movie “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story” that sparked his interest again. Inspired by Dhoni’s journey, he returned to Pakistan with a renewed hunger to succeed, a decision that would change his life forever.
Usman Tariq – Latest Update & Profile
- Personal Background: Usman Tariq was born on 7 June 1995 in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
- Bowling Style: He is a right-arm off-spinner known for his subtle variations, including a slower carrom-ball-type delivery.
- T20I Debut: Tariq made his international debut for Pakistan in T20Is on 1 November 2025 against South Africa in Lahore.
- Recent Triumph: In a significant career moment, he took a hat-trick against Zimbabwe during the T20 tri-series in Rawalpindi, finishing with match figures of 4/18 to help Pakistan win by 69 runs. (Dawn)
- Hat-trick Milestone: With this, Tariq became only the fourth Pakistani to take a T20I hat-trick, joining Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Nawaz.
- Domestic & Franchise Career:
- He joined the Quetta Gladiators for PSL 2024.
- He also played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2025 for the Trinbago Knight Riders, finishing among the top wicket-takers.
- Bowling Action Controversy:
- Tariq’s bowling motion is different because he pauses during his run-up, which has led to debate and close examination.
- He was reported for a suspected action but was cleared by PCB’s biomechanics lab after tests.
- Inspiration & Comeback Story: He revealed that after stepping away from cricket and working in the UAE, he was inspired to return after watching the biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.
- Public Impact: His hat-trick and unusual style have made him a “mystery spinner” in Pakistani cricket, drawing both praise and heated debate among fans. (Geo Super)
A New Mystery Spinner Makes Its Debut Around the World
Usman Tariq made his T20I debut for Pakistan on 1 November 2025 against South Africa in Lahore. Despite being a late entrant into international cricket, his fearless style and unconventional release point made immediate impressions on analysts and fans alike.
Pakistan, searching for fresh bowling options, quickly realised they had found a rare gem—a spinner with rhythm-disrupting variations and nerves of steel.
2025 Tri-Series – The Iconic Hat-Trick Against Zimbabwe
On 23 November 2025, Tariq achieved the most significant milestone of his career:
A T20I hat-trick against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi.
He finished with 4/18, becoming only the 4th Pakistani bowler to take a hat-trick in T20Is, joining the elite company of:
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Mohammad Nawaz
Impact of the Hat-Trick
- Turned the match in Pakistan’s favour during a crucial stage
- The loud stadium roar turned him into an overnight sensation.
- Social media praised his calmness and clever bowling variations.
- Experts labelled him “Pakistan’s new mystery spinner.”
Bowling Action Debate & Clearance
Usman Tariq’s “pause-action” generated controversy.
Concerns Raised
- Opponents argued his pause could mask the ball release.
- Some questioned the legality due to optical illusion effects.
PCB Intervention
- Tariq was sent to PCB’s state-of-the-art biomechanics lab.
- Tests confirmed his action falls within ICC’s legal limits.
This clearance ended the debate and further boosted his confidence.
CPL Success
In 2025, Tariq played for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League.
- He consistently took wickets through the middle overs.
- Cemented his status as one of the most valuable emerging spin options globally.
Playing Style: What Makes Him Special
1. The Pause Action
His sudden halt in the run-up unsettles batters’ footwork and timing.
2. Subtle Variations
- Traditional off-spin
- Slider
- Carrom-ball type, slower variation
- Arm ball
- Extra dip on fuller deliveries
3. Mental Toughness
Whether bowling to power hitters or new batters, Tariq keeps his attacks calm and calculated.
2025: A Breakout Year for Usman Tariq
The year 2025 will be remembered as the turning point of his cricketing journey.
Highlights of 2025
- T20I debut for Pakistan
- Career-best 4/18 vs Zimbabwe
- Achieved T20I hat-trick
- Key performances in PSL & CPL
- Action controversy resolved
- Gained a global fan following
Future Outlook & Potential
Experts believe Usman Tariq could become:
- A permanent fixture in Pakistan’s T20 and ODI squads
- A lethal option for powerplay spin
- A franchise cricket favourite in leagues worldwide
Tariq is likely to play a big part as Pakistan prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Final Summary
Usman Tariq’s rise is one of the most inspiring cricket stories of recent years, from leaving cricket for a job abroad to returning and becoming a T20I hat-trick hero.
He represents resilience and self-belief. His unique bowling action, variations, and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of Pakistan’s most exciting new cricketing talents.