Pakistan Women began their white-ball series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 168-run victory, powered by key contributions from Sadaf Shamas and Najiha Alvi.
The Fatima Sana-led side is hosting Zimbabwe, captained by Nomvelo Sibanda, in a multi-format series running from May 4 to May 15, 2026, as part of preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan also handed a debut to left-arm spinner Momina Riasat following her performances in domestic cricket.
Strong Opening Sets the Platform
After Zimbabwe opted to bowl first at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan’s openers Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas put on a dominant 162-run partnership.
Feroza scored 50 off 60 balls before Kudzai Chigora provided the breakthrough in the 29th over. Shamas continued to anchor the innings and added 33 runs with Sidra Amin for the second wicket.
Shamas fell just short of a century, dismissed for 98 off 130 balls by Precious Marange in the 34th over.
Late Surge Takes Pakistan Past 300
Zimbabwe struck regularly to reduce Pakistan to 219 for 4 in the 40th over, but a strong finish lifted the total significantly.
Sidra Amin and Najiha Alvi added 96 runs for the fifth wicket, shifting momentum back in Pakistan’s favour. Amin scored 67 off 59 balls before being dismissed in the 49th over.
Alvi remained unbeaten on 56 off 30 balls, while Fatima Sana contributed 11 not out from three deliveries, helping Pakistan post 330 for 5 in their 50 overs. Zimbabwe conceded 43 extras during the innings.
Precious Marange returned figures of 3 for 39, while Nomvelo Sibanda and Kudzai Chigora picked up a wicket each.
Zimbabwe Fall Short Despite Biza’s Effort
Chasing 331, Zimbabwe struggled to build partnerships under pressure. Beloved Biza stood out with a fighting 53 off 53 balls, batting at number four.
She was dismissed in the 28th over by Syeda Aroob Shah, leaving Zimbabwe’s chase in further difficulty. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 162 in the 37th over.
Kelis Ndhlovu (31), Nomvelo Sibanda (17), and Melinda Kachingwe (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Pakistan Bowlers Complete Dominant Win
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Fatima Sana, Tasmia Rubab, and Syeda Aroob Shah claimed two wickets each, while Nashra Sandhu and debutant Momina Riasat also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Sadaf Shamas was named Player of the Match for her 98-run knock, which laid the foundation for Pakistan’s total and helped the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
