KARACHI: The second T20 International between Pakistan and Zimbabwe Women will be played on Thursday under floodlights at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, with the third and final match scheduled for Friday.
Following Pakistan’s record-breaking victory in the first match by 153 runs, the national team leads the three-match series 1-0. The series serves as preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.
A rotation policy is expected to see at least two changes in the Pakistan squad for Thursday’s encounter. The first match saw Zimbabwe restricted to 84 runs in response to Pakistan’s 237, a record total for the team, while Pakistan smashed multiple T20I records in the process.
The Pakistan squad for the series includes captain Fatima Sana, Aliya Riaz, Amber Khanat, Ayesha Zafar, Iman Fatima, Gul Firoza, Arm Javed, wicket-keeper Muniba Ali, Nashrah Sindhu, Natalia Parvez, Ramin Shamim, Sidra Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmiya Rabab, and Tuba Hassan.
Explosive Pakistan women outclass Zimbabwe in first T20
Earlier, 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.
