KARACHI: Pakistan registered a record-breaking 153-run victory over Zimbabwe in the opening Women’s T20I at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Tuesday, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from Ayesha Zafar and a disciplined bowling display led by captain Fatima Sana.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan piled up a mammoth 237/5 in 20 overs — their highest total in Women’s T20I history — surpassing the previous best of 181/4 against South Africa in 2024.
Ayesha delivered a historic innings after arriving at the crease with Pakistan at 23/1 in the second over. The top-order batter launched a relentless assault on Zimbabwe’s bowlers and remained unbeaten on 102 off just 47 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and two sixes.
The century, completed on the final delivery of the innings with a boundary off Nomvelo Sibanda, became the fastest century by a Pakistani batter in Women’s T20Is, eclipsing the previous record held by Muneeba Ali.
Ayesha also became only the second Pakistani batter to score a century in Women’s T20Is, joining Muneeba, while her unbeaten 102 equalled the highest individual score by a Pakistani player in the format.
Pakistan’s innings started aggressively as openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza added 23 runs before Muneeba was dismissed for a quick cameo.
Gull then shared a rapid partnership with Ayesha before departing after scoring 37 off 19 balls with eight boundaries.
Ayesha later found strong support from Aliya Riaz, who played a blistering knock of 48 off 23 deliveries, striking four sixes and four fours before narrowly missing out on a half-century.
Pakistan finished strongly as Ayesha and captain Fatima Sana stitched together an unbeaten 70-run stand late in the innings, with Fatima contributing 21 not out off 13 balls.
For Zimbabwe, captain Nomvelo Sibanda claimed two wickets, while Michelle Mavunga, Beloved Biza and Precious Marange picked up one wicket each.
Chasing a daunting 238-run target, Zimbabwe’s batting line-up collapsed under pressure and the visitors were bowled out for just 84 in 18.2 overs — their third-lowest total in Women’s T20I history.
Natasha Mtomba top-scored with 24 runs, while Adel Zimunu and Beloved Biza were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana led from the front with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 7 runs in three overs. Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz claimed two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim chipped in with one dismissal.
The emphatic victory gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series and highlighted the growing strength of the women’s team in the shortest format.
