KARACHI: Pakistan Women’s cricket team defeated Zimbabwe by 153 runs in the first T20 International against Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean side was bundled out for just 84 runs in 18.2 overs while chasing a daunting target of 238 runs. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Fatima Sana, who claimed three wickets, while Saadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervez took two wickets each. Rameen Shamim also chipped in with a crucial wicket.
Earlier, after winning the toss in Karachi, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted an imposing total of 237 for 5 in their 20 overs. The innings was highlighted by Ayesha Zafar’s explosive century and Alia Riaz’s aggressive knock, which left the Zimbabwean bowlers struggling. To win the opening match of the series, Zimbabwe needed a challenging 238 at a required run rate of 11.85 per over.
Ayesha Zafar dominated the innings with an unbeaten 102 runs off just 47 deliveries, while Alia Riaz contributed 48, Gul Firoza added 37, and captain Fatima Sana chipped in with 21. Zimbabwe’s bowling efforts were led by Nomvelo Sibanda with two wickets, and Michelle Mavunga and Precious Marange claimed one wicket each.
Bangladesh defeat Pakistan in first Test by 104 runs
Moreover, Bangladesh secured a historic 104-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test match at Mirpur, successfully defending a target of 268. After Bangladesh posted 413 in their first innings and Pakistan responded with 386, the hosts declared their second innings at 240. This set up a challenging chase that saw Pakistan bundled out for just 163 runs.
The foundation of Bangladesh’s second-innings total was laid by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who played a brilliant knock of 87, and Mominul Haque, who contributed a steady 56. Pakistan’s bowlers tried to keep the game within reach, with Hassan Ali and Noman Ali taking three wickets each, Shaheen Afridi claiming two, and Mohammad Abbas picking up one.
However, Pakistan’s chase faltered almost immediately. They lost their first wicket for only 3 runs, and momentum never shifted in their favour. Azan Owais was dismissed for 15, while captain Shan Masood managed only 2. Abdullah Fazal provided the lone significant resistance with a gritty 66, supported by Agha Salman with 26. The rest of the lineup struggled to build partnerships, as Saud Shakeel (15), Hassan Khan (12), Noman Ali (4), and Hassan Ali (1) were quickly cleared away, leaving Bangladesh to celebrate a dominant win.
