Pakistan Women Crush Zimbabwe by Record 153 Runs in Karachi T20I

Pakistan women's national cricket team registered a historic 153-run victory over Zimbabwe women's national cricket team in the first T20I at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to a sensational century by Ayesha Zafar and a superb bowling display led by captain Fatima Sana.

Chasing a massive 238-run target, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 84 in 18.2 overs, recording their third-lowest total in Women’s T20 Internationals.

Natasha Mtomba top-scored for Zimbabwe with 24 off 20 balls, while Adel Zimunu made 18 and Beloved Biza scored 10. No other batter managed to reach double figures against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.

Captain Fatima Sana led from the front with outstanding figures of 3/7 in three overs. Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz claimed two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim chipped in with one scalp.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan piled up a record-breaking 237/5 in their allotted 20 overs — their highest-ever total in Women’s T20Is, surpassing the previous best of 181/4 against South Africa in 2024.

Pakistan made an aggressive start as openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza added 23 quick runs before captain Nomvelo Sibanda dismissed Muneeba in the second over.

Following the breakthrough, Ayesha Zafar took charge and stitched together a rapid 34-run stand with Gull Feroza before the latter departed after a blistering 37 off 19 deliveries, including eight boundaries.

Ayesha then kept the momentum alive with valuable contributions alongside debutant Saira Jabeen and Natalia Pervaiz before finding strong support from Aliya Riaz.

The pair dominated the Zimbabwe bowling attack with an explosive 67-run partnership in just 35 balls, pushing Pakistan comfortably past the 200-run mark.

Beloved Biza finally broke the dangerous stand by dismissing Aliya Riaz, who narrowly missed her half-century after smashing 48 off 23 balls with four sixes and four fours.

Ayesha later combined with skipper Fatima Sana for an unbeaten 70-run partnership to finish the innings strongly.

Ayesha Zafar remained unbeaten on a stunning 102 off only 47 deliveries, striking 15 fours and two sixes. Her match-winning knock earned her the Player of the Match award. Fatima Sana also provided a late flourish with 21 not out from 13 balls.

For Zimbabwe, captain Nomvelo Sibanda was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/59, while Michelle Mavunga, Beloved Biza and Precious Marange picked up one wicket each.