Pakistan Women produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe Women by 153 runs in the opening T20I in Karachi, with Ayesha Zafar’s unbeaten century setting up one of their most commanding wins in recent matches.
After being put under slight early pressure, Pakistan quickly took control of the contest through aggressive batting and disciplined bowling, leaving Zimbabwe unable to recover at any stage of the game.
Zafar Anchors a Powerful Batting Display
Pakistan’s innings began with an early setback as Muneeba Ali was dismissed for 2 off 3 balls at 23/1 in the second over. However, the early wicket brought Ayesha Zafar to the crease, and she went on to shape the innings decisively.
Gull Feroza provided strong support at the top, scoring 37 off 19 balls with eight boundaries. The pair added 34 runs quickly before Feroza was dismissed at 57/2 in the fifth over. Pakistan then slipped to 68/3 after Saira Jabeen’s brief stay of 5 runs, but Zimbabwe’s hopes of a comeback were short-lived.
Zafar gradually shifted gears and remained unbeaten on 102 off 47 deliveries, striking 15 boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate exceeding 217. Natalia Pervaiz added 9 before falling at 100/4, but Pakistan continued to build momentum.
Aliya Riaz accelerated the scoring with a quick 48 from 23 balls, including four fours and four sixes, forming a crucial partnership with Zafar that pushed Pakistan beyond 150. After Riaz’s dismissal at 167/5 in the 16th over, Fatima Sana contributed an unbeaten 21 off 13 balls, helping the hosts finish strongly at 237/5 in 20 overs.
Zimbabwe Struggle Under Pressure
Zimbabwe’s bowlers found it difficult to contain the scoring throughout the innings. Nomvelo Sibanda picked up 2 wickets but conceded 59 runs, while Precious Marange (1/39), Beloved Biza (1 wicket), and Michelle Mavunga (1 wicket) also faced pressure from Pakistan’s batters.
Chasing 238, Zimbabwe never settled. Kelis Ndhlovu fell early for 2, and the side quickly slipped to 15/4 inside four overs. Natasha Mtombo provided brief resistance with 24 off 20 balls, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Run-outs further dented the innings, with Runyararo Pasipanodya and Adel Zimunu both dismissed through sharp fielding efforts. Contributions from Michelle Mavunga (8) and Adel Zimunu (18) were not enough to revive the chase.
Pakistan Bowlers Seal Comprehensive Win
Pakistan’s bowling unit maintained control throughout the innings. Captain Fatima Sana led the attack with figures of 3/7 in three overs, while Sadia Iqbal claimed 2 wickets. Natalia Pervaiz delivered an economical spell of 2/3 in two overs, ensuring Zimbabwe remained under pressure.
Rameen Shamim added one wicket, while Tuba Hassan and Amber Kainat contributed with tight spells. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 84 in 18.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive 153-run victory for Pakistan Women.
