Pakistan Women produced a dominant all-round display to crush Zimbabwe Women by 153 runs in the opening T20I at the National Bank Stadium, registering their biggest-ever victory margin in Women’s T20 Internationals.
The night belonged to Ayesha Zafar, who smashed a sensational unbeaten 102 off just 47 balls to propel Pakistan to 237 for 5, their highest-ever WT20I total. Her innings included 15 fours and two sixes, making it one of the most explosive knocks ever by a Pakistan women’s batter. Ayesha accelerated brilliantly at the death, racing from 67 off 38 deliveries to her maiden international century in style.
Pakistan recovered strongly after early wickets thanks to aggressive partnerships with Aliya Riaz, who hammered 48 off 23 balls, and captain Fatima Sana, who added an unbeaten 21. Debutants Saira Jabeen and Amber Kainat also featured in the match as Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark for the first time in WT20Is.
Zimbabwe never recovered in the chase after Fatima struck twice in one over and finished with superb figures of 3 for 7. Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz claimed two wickets each as the visitors were bowled out for 84 in 18.2 overs. Fatima also became Pakistan Women’s leading wicket-taking pacer in WT20Is with 46 wickets.
The second and third T20Is of the series will also be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on May 14 and 15.
