Pakistan complete T20I sweep with 133-run win over Zimbabwe

KARACHI: Pakistan wrapped up a 3-0 clean sweep of the T20I series against Zimbabwe after registering a commanding 133-run victory in the third and final match at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

The home side’s win was built on half-centuries from Saira Jabeen and captain Fatima Sana before the bowlers, led by Sadia Iqbal, dismissed Zimbabwe for 90 in 17.1 overs while defending a target of 224.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan made 223/4 in their 20 overs after Fatima Sana’s decision at the toss proved fruitful. The innings began briskly, with openers Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar putting on 58 runs during the powerplay.

Zimbabwe made the breakthrough on the first ball of the seventh over when Lindokuhle Mabhero removed Muneeba, who scored 22 from 17 balls and struck three fours. Mabhero then struck again in her next over, trapping Ayesha lbw after the opener had made 45 off 28 deliveries, an innings that included nine fours.

Pakistan then lost Natalia Pervaiz in the following over, with Beloved Biza claiming the wicket as the hosts slipped to 93/3 in 10.2 overs. After that setback, Iram Javed and Saira Jabeen steadied the innings with a 49-run stand for the fourth wicket. Iram made 29 before falling to Michelle Mavunga in the 17th over.

Saira then added quick runs with Fatima Sana in a decisive fifth-wicket partnership worth 71. Fatima led the charge and top-scored with 62 off just 19 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. Saira remained unbeaten on 50 from 32 deliveries, with eight fours.

For Zimbabwe, Mabhero was the most successful bowler with 2/36 in four overs, while Mavunga and Biza took one wicket each.

Zimbabwe bowled out for 90

In reply, Zimbabwe were unable to keep pace with the required rate and were bowled out for 90, completing Pakistan’s whitewash after defeats in the first two matches as well.

Left-handed opener Kelis Ndhlovu offered the main resistance for the visitors with a rapid 32 off 13 balls, an innings featuring six fours and one six. Apart from her effort, only Adel Zimunu, who scored 18, and Michelle Mavunga, who made 13, reached double figures.

Pakistan’s bowling was spearheaded by Sadia Iqbal, who took three wickets for 20 runs in three overs. Nashra Sandhu provided strong support with 2/21 in four overs, while Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana picked up one wicket each.

The result sealed a dominant series for Pakistan, who won all three matches against Zimbabwe in Karachi.