Pakistan women crush Zimbabwe by 153 runs in first T20I

KARACHI: Pakistan registered a record 153-run win over Zimbabwe in the opening women’s T20I at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday, with Ayesha Zafar striking an unbeaten century and captain Fatima Sana leading the bowling effort.

After being set a daunting target of 238, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 84 in 18.2 overs, a total that marked their third-lowest score in the format. Natasha Mtomba top-scored for the visitors with 24 off 20 balls, while Adel Zimunu made 18 and Beloved Biza contributed 10. No other Zimbabwe batter reached double figures against a disciplined Pakistan attack.

Fatima was the standout bowler for the home side, returning 3/7 in three overs. Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz claimed two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim took one wicket.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 237/5 in their 20 overs after opting to bat first, their highest total in women’s T20Is. The previous best had been 181/4 against South Africa in 2024.

Pakistan made a brisk start through openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, who added 23 runs before Muneeba was dismissed by Zimbabwe captain Nomvelo Sibanda on the penultimate ball of the second over.

Ayesha then came to the crease and shared a rapid 34-run stand for the second wicket with Feroza before Precious Marange removed the opener. Feroza scored 37 from 19 deliveries, hitting eight fours.

Ayesha continued to anchor the innings and was involved in short partnerships with debutant Saira Jabeen, who made five, and Natalia Pervaiz, who scored nine, before finding stronger support from Aliya Riaz.

The pair attacked the Zimbabwe bowling and added 67 runs in just 35 deliveries to push Pakistan towards the 200-run mark. Aliya was eventually stumped off Beloved Biza in the 16th over after falling just short of a half-century. She made 48 off 23 balls, including four sixes and four fours.

Ayesha then combined with Fatima in an unbroken 70-run partnership that maintained Pakistan’s momentum in the closing overs.

Ayesha finished as Pakistan’s top-scorer with 102 not out off 47 balls, an innings featuring 15 fours and two sixes. Fatima remained unbeaten on 21 from 13 deliveries.

For Zimbabwe, Sibanda was the most successful bowler, taking 2/59 in four overs, while Michelle Mavunga, Biza and Marange picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan set new team benchmark

The victory gave Pakistan a commanding start to the series and underlined their dominance with both bat and ball. Their total of 237/5 was a new team high in the format, and the margin of victory was also a record one for Pakistan in women’s T20Is.

Ayesha’s century formed the centrepiece of the innings, while Fatima’s spell ensured Zimbabwe never threatened in the chase.