KARACHI (Sports Desk) — Pakistan women’s national cricket team are set to meet Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team in the second match of their three-game Twenty20 International series on Thursday at National Bank Stadium, with the final fixture to follow on Friday.
The home side hold a 1-0 advantage in the series after delivering a commanding performance in the opener, securing a 153-run triumph. Pakistan piled up 237 for five before bowling Zimbabwe out for 84, marking one of their most dominant displays in the format.
Changes to the playing XI are likely, with team management expected to rotate players as part of preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will take place in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.
The ongoing series is seen as a key opportunity for Pakistan to fine-tune combinations ahead of the global event. The team is also scheduled to compete in a tri-series in Ireland from May 28 to June 4, alongside Ireland and West Indies.
Pakistan’s emphatic win in the first match brought several milestones. The total of 237 was their highest in women’s T20 internationals, while the victory margin set a new benchmark for the team. Their previous biggest win had been a 147-run success against Malaysia in 2018.
Opening batter Ayesha Zafar delivered a standout innings, reaching a century off just 47 balls, including 15 boundaries and two sixes. She surpassed Muneeba Ali’s earlier record for the fastest T20I hundred by a Pakistan player. Her unbeaten 102 further underlined her impact at the top of the order.
Skipper Fatima Sana has also maintained her influence, strengthening her position among Pakistan’s leading fast bowlers in the format with 46 wickets.
Both teams chose to skip training on Wednesday, preferring rest ahead of the next contest.
