KARACHI: A dominant Pakistan Women defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the third and final ODI at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday to whitewash the series 3-0.
A remarkable double century opening stand by Shatab Shams and Gul Feroza saw Pakistan reach the target of 223 runs with the loss of just one wicket in 31.5 overs.
Peroza scored his second ODI century with an unbeaten 106 off 92 balls and 16 fours.
Shamas provided strong support with 90 off 98 balls, including 13 fours, before Kudzai Sikora smashed an opening stand of 220 and stand-in captain Muneefa Ali hit a boundary to take Pakistan to victory.
Batting first, Zimbabwe posted a match total of 222/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Zimbabwe’s batting revolved around a half-century from opener Kelis Nutlow, who scored 51 off 72 balls with eight boundaries, providing early stability at the top.
However, regular wickets around her prevented the visitors from making full use of the powerplay and middle overs.
A standout performance came from the beloved Pisa, who brilliantly anchored the innings with a fluent 73 off 88 balls, hitting 12 fours and holding the innings together at key stages.
Captain Nomwelo Sibanda added valuable late resistance with an unbeaten 35 off 55 balls, rotating the strike effectively to help push the total past 220. Adel Zimunu also scored 23 off 30 balls to add depth to the innings.
However, the visitors were not fully up to speed as wickets kept falling at crucial moments.
Contributions from Kelly Ndraya (8), Vimbai Mudungwindu (2), Christine Mutasa (2), Kutsanai Sikora (0), Lindokuhle Maporo (8), and Olinder Sare (4*) reflected a stop-start batting effort outside the top order.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was disciplined and efficient throughout the innings. Tasmiya Rupab took three wickets for 49 runs, while Ayesha Zafar, 2/13, exercised excellent control.
Syed Arup Shah also claimed 2/36, breaking key partnerships at crucial stages. Momina Riyasad took a wicket, while Diana Baig and Natalia Pervaiz kept the pressure on despite going wicketless.