Pakistan Women delivered a dominant all-round performance to outclass Zimbabwe Women by a massive 153 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series at the National Stadium in Karachi. The emphatic victory not only gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series but also marked the highest total ever recorded by Pakistan Women in T20Is.
The game belonged to Ayesha Zafar, whose sensational unbeaten century powered Pakistan to a staggering 237 for five in 20 overs. Her explosive innings completely shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favour and left Zimbabwe struggling to recover throughout the contest. After being put in to bat, Pakistan began aggressively despite losing Muneeba Ali early. Gull Feroza attacked from the outset and smashed 37 runs off just 19 deliveries, including eight boundaries, providing the hosts with a fiery start during the powerplay. Once Feroza departed, Ayesha Zafar took complete control of the innings.
The experienced batter produced one of the finest knocks in Pakistan Women’s T20I history, finishing on 102* from only 47 balls. Her innings featured 15 fours and two sixes as she dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with confidence and precision. The century came off just 47 deliveries, making it the fastest Women’s T20I century by a Pakistani batter and one of the quickest hundreds in the history of women’s T20 internationals. Ayesha also became only the second Pakistani woman cricketer to score a T20I century after Muneeba Ali. Her unbeaten 102* equalled the highest individual Women’s T20I score by a Pakistani batter.
Aliya Riaz further accelerated the scoring in the final overs with a blistering cameo of 48 from 23 balls. She struck four fours and four sixes, pushing Pakistan well beyond the 200-run mark for the first time in their history. Captain Fatima Sana added late fireworks with an unbeaten 21 off 13 deliveries to help Pakistan finish with a commanding total of 237 for five.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers found it difficult to contain the flow of runs on a batting-friendly Karachi surface. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda claimed two wickets but conceded heavily, while Beloved Biza, Michelle Mavunga and Precious Marange picked up one wicket each.
Chasing a daunting target, Zimbabwe never managed to settle into the innings. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure from the very beginning and reduced the visitors to a disastrous position with wickets falling at regular intervals. Natasha Mutomba was the lone batter to show some resistance, scoring 24 runs, but lacked support from the other end. Zimbabwe’s innings suffered a dramatic collapse as Kelly Ndiraya, Runyararo Pasipanodya and Vimbai Mutungwindu were dismissed for consecutive ducks, highlighting the visitors’ batting struggles against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana led from the front with the ball, taking three wickets, while left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz chipped in with two wickets each. Rameen Shamim also struck early to keep Zimbabwe under pressure throughout the chase. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for just 84 runs in 18.2 overs. The 153-run margin became one of Pakistan Women’s biggest victories in T20I cricket and reflected the growing confidence within the squad ahead of upcoming international assignments.
The result also continued Pakistan Women’s dominant run against Zimbabwe on the tour after the hosts had already completed a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series earlier this month. The performances of players like Ayesha Zafar, Fatima Sana, Aliya Riaz and Sadia Iqbal will provide significant encouragement to the team management as preparations continue for future ICC events.
Pakistan will now look to seal the T20I series in the second match, while Zimbabwe will hope for a stronger batting display after a difficult outing in Karachi.
