By Our Correpondent
KARACHI: Pakistan Women delivered a commanding all-round performance to thrash Zimbabwe Women by 133 runs in the third T20 International at the National Bank Stadium, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash.
The victory was built on explosive batting by captain Fatima Sana and Saira Jabeen, followed by a clinical bowling display led by Sadia Iqbal.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan piled up an imposing total of 223/4 in their allotted 20 overs, their highest score of the series. The hosts made a flying start as openers Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar stitched together a brisk 58-run partnership during the powerplay.
Zimbabwe found their breakthrough in the seventh over when Lindokuhle Mabhero dismissed Muneeba for 22. Mabhero struck again shortly after, removing Ayesha, who had looked in sublime touch with a quickfire 45 off 28 balls, decorated with nine boundaries.
Pakistan briefly wobbled when Natalia Pervaiz fell, reducing them to 93/3. However, Saira Jabeen steadied the innings alongside Iram Javed, adding 49 runs for the fourth wicket. Iram contributed 29 before falling in the 17th over.
The momentum shifted decisively in the final overs as Saira and skipper Fatima Sana unleashed a brutal assault on Zimbabwe’s bowlers. The pair added 71 runs in quick time, with Fatima producing a breathtaking knock of 62 off just 19 balls, smashing 10 fours and two sixes. Saira remained unbeaten on 50 from 32 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan finished strongly.
In response, Zimbabwe never looked in contention while chasing a daunting 224-run target. Left-handed opener Kelis Ndhlovu provided early fireworks with a counter-attacking 32 off just 13 balls, including six fours and a six. However, her dismissal triggered a collapse.
The visitors struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for just 90 in 17.1 overs. Apart from Ndhlovu, only Adel Zimunu (18) and Michelle Mavunga (13) managed to reach double figures.
Sadia Iqbal was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 20 runs in her three overs. She was well supported by Nashra Sandhu, who returned economical figures of 2/21, while Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, and captain Fatima Sana chipped in with one wicket each.
For Zimbabwe, Lindokuhle Mabhero was the most effective bowler, taking two wickets, while Michelle Mavunga and Beloved Biza picked up one each. However, their efforts were not enough to contain Pakistan’s aggressive batting display.
The emphatic victory capped off a dominant series for Pakistan, as they outclassed Zimbabwe in all departments across the three matches. The clean sweep highlights Pakistan’s growing strength in women’s cricket, particularly their depth in both batting and bowling.
Meaning & Context:
This series win reflects Pakistan’s improving consistency and aggressive approach in T20 cricket, especially under Fatima Sana’s leadership.
Impact:
The performance boosts team morale ahead of future international fixtures and strengthens Pakistan’s standing in women’s cricket rankings.
Future Outlook:
If Pakistan maintain this balance of power-hitting and disciplined bowling, they could emerge as strong contenders in upcoming ICC events.
Pakistan Angle:
The series success reinforces Pakistan’s investment in women’s cricket and showcases emerging stars like Saira Jabeen, signaling a promising pipeline of talent.
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