KARACHI: A magnificent century from Ayesha Zafar and a destructive bowling spell by captain Fatima Sana guided Pakistan women’s national cricket team to a commanding 153-run victory over Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team in the opening match of the three-match Women’s Twenty20 International series at National Bank Stadium on Tuesday night.
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After being sent in to bat, Pakistan produced a record-breaking performance, posting 237-5 — the highest total in Pakistan Women’s T20I history — before dismissing Zimbabwe for just 84 in 18.2 overs to secure a 1-0 lead in the series.
Opening batter Ayesha Zafar stole the spotlight with a sensational unbeaten 102 off just 47 deliveries, smashing 15 boundaries and two sixes in a breathtaking innings played at a strike rate exceeding 217. The explosive knock marked her maiden T20 International century and completely dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
Ayesha received strong support from Aliya Riaz, who blasted 48 runs off only 23 balls, including four fours and four sixes, while Gull Feroza provided an aggressive start with a quickfire 37 off 19 deliveries.
Pakistan stormed to 68-3 within the first six overs despite losing wickets during the powerplay. Ayesha then anchored the innings brilliantly before launching a fierce counterattack alongside Aliya in a crucial fifth-wicket partnership worth 67 runs.
Captain Fatima Sana further accelerated the scoring in the death overs with an unbeaten 21 from 13 balls as Pakistan collected a massive 70 runs in the final five overs.
Zimbabwe captain Nomvelo Sibanda endured a difficult outing with the ball, conceding 59 runs in her four overs despite picking up two wickets.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed under relentless pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers. Fatima Sana led from the front with exceptional figures of 3-7 in three overs, reducing Zimbabwe to 16-5 inside the opening five overs and effectively ending the contest early.
Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz claimed two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim chipped in with one dismissal.
For Zimbabwe, only Natasha Mtomba showed resistance with 24 runs, while Adel Zimunu contributed 18, but the visitors never looked capable of challenging Pakistan’s complete dominance.
The emphatic victory gives Pakistan strong momentum heading into the remaining matches of the series.
