Pakistan women seal ODI series against Zimbabwe with 206-run win

KARACHI: Pakistan women wrapped up the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe after registering a commanding 206-run victory in the second match at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Set a target of 344, Zimbabwe were dismissed for 137 in 39 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers backed up a strong batting display with a disciplined effort. Runyararo Pasipanodya was Zimbabwe’s top scorer with an unbeaten 33 from 62 balls, hitting five fours. Opener Kelis Ndhlovu made 32 off 51 deliveries with six boundaries, while Beloved Biza contributed 29 from 51 balls, including four fours. Lindokuhle Mabhero also scored 20.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana led the bowling effort with 3-15 in eight overs. Syeda Aroob Shah, Rameen Shamim and Momina Riasat picked up two wickets each, while Diana Baig claimed one.

Openers lay the foundation

Earlier, Pakistan posted a formidable 343 in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat, with openers Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza producing centuries and putting together a 189-run stand at the top of the order.

The partnership, which became the second-highest opening stand in Pakistan Women’s ODI history, set the tone for the innings. Feroza reached her maiden ODI hundred before she was dismissed by Lindokuhle Mabhero for 100 off 95 balls, an innings that included 13 boundaries.

Shamas carried on after the first wicket and also brought up her maiden ODI century. She was eventually out for 101 from 112 deliveries, striking 10 fours and a six.

After the opening pair’s departure, Sidra Amin and Fatima Sana kept Pakistan on course with a steady partnership. Amin completed her 15th ODI half-century and remained unbeaten on 59 off 58 balls, with six fours.

Fatima added 25 from just 13 deliveries, hitting one four and two sixes, before Nomvelo Sibanda removed her. Aliya Riaz then scored a quick 27 off 14 balls with five boundaries before falling to Christine Mutasa. Ayesha Zafar remained unbeaten on 18 from eight balls, striking three fours, to help lift Pakistan’s total further.

Zimbabwe bowlers

For Zimbabwe, Nomvelo Sibanda, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Christine Mutasa and Olinder Chare took one wicket each.

Pakistan’s all-round display ensured the home side secured the series with one match still to play, after their batters built a big total and the bowlers then prevented Zimbabwe from mounting any meaningful chase.