KARACHI: Pakistan Women beat Zimbabwe Women by 168 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.
Batting first, the hosts amassed 330-5 in 50 overs, posting the highest women’s ODI total at the venue.
The innings was anchored by a magnificent 162-run opening partnership between Shatab Shams and Gul Feroza, Pakistan’s second-highest opening stand in women’s ODIs.
Shatab Shamas top-scored with 98 off 130 balls with 17 fours while Gul Feroza scored a fluent 50 off 60 balls with 5 fours.
The middle order further solidified the innings as Chitra Amin scored 67 off 59 balls with 9 fours.
Najiha Alvi provided the late fireworks, scoring an unbeaten 56 off just 30 balls with 8 fours and a six, and scored the fastest fifty in Pakistan Women’s ODI history off just 24 balls.
Captain Fatima Sana also scored 11 runs in 3 balls. It was the first time four Pakistan batsmen had scored a half-century in a women’s ODI innings, and the third consecutive time the team had scored more than 300 runs.
In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs despite 53 off 53 balls and Kelis Nathlov’s 31 off 47 balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the chase, with Fatima Sana, Tasmiya Rupab and Syeda Arup Shah claiming two wickets each to ensure a comprehensive win.