Pakistan women rewrite ODI record books against Zimbabwe
Pakistan produced a record-breaking display in Karachi to seal a commanding 206-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second women’s ODI, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and extending their unbeaten home record against the African side.
The hosts piled up 343 before bowling Zimbabwe out for 137 in 39 overs in one of the most dominant performances in Pakistan women’s ODI history.
The margin of victory became Pakistan’s biggest-ever win in women’s ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 193 runs against the Netherlands in Fatullah in 2011. It also marked the second time during the Karachi series that Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by more than 160 runs.
Pakistan’s batters set new benchmarks
Ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan delivered a statement performance with the bat after choosing to bat first.
Openers Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas controlled the innings from the outset, putting together a superb 189-run opening stand inside 31 overs. The partnership became the second-highest opening stand in Pakistan women’s ODI history.
Only Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali’s partnership against Ireland at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in November 2022 stands above it.
Both Feroza and Shamas registered maiden ODI centuries during the innings, underlining Pakistan’s dominance at the top of the order.
Feroza’s innings carried additional significance as she reached her century in just 93 balls, setting a new record for the fastest women’s ODI hundred by a Pakistan player. The previous benchmark belonged to Sidra Amin, who had scored a century off 97 balls against South Africa last year.
The innings highlighted a shift in Pakistan’s batting intent, with the top order maintaining pressure throughout the middle overs rather than slowing after the powerplay.
Middle order completes record total
Even after Zimbabwe finally broke the opening partnership, Pakistan’s momentum never faded.
Sidra Amin remained unbeaten on 59 from 58 balls, while captain Fatima Sana added 25 off 13 deliveries and Aliya Riaz struck 27 from only 14 balls to lift Pakistan to their highest-ever ODI total at home.
The total also became Pakistan women’s highest ODI score in a winning cause.
The finishing phase exposed Zimbabwe’s inability to contain Pakistan once wickets failed to interrupt the flow of runs. Pakistan’s lower-middle order maintained the same aggressive tempo established by the opening pair, ensuring the innings never lost momentum.
Fatima Sana leads dominant bowling effort
Zimbabwe’s chase never gathered momentum as Pakistan’s bowlers quickly tightened control of the contest.
Kelis Ndhlovu fought with 32, Beloved Biza contributed 29, and Runyararo Pasipanodya remained unbeaten on 33, but Zimbabwe were consistently pushed behind the required rate.
Fatima Sana led the bowling attack with outstanding figures of 3 for 15, combining disciplined lines with sharp movement. She received strong support from Syeda Aroob Shah, who claimed 2 for 18, while Rameen Shamim took 2 for 20 and Momina Riasat finished with 2 for 39.
Pakistan’s overall display reflected dominance in every department. Their top-order partnership rewrote records, the middle order accelerated effectively, and the bowling attack ensured Zimbabwe never threatened the chase.
The third and final ODI of the series, a day-night fixture, will be played in Karachi on 9 May as Pakistan aim for a clean sweep.
Also check out:
Warwickshire sign Usman Tariq for Vitality T20 Blast
Source:
Post Comment