KARACHI: Top-order batsman Ayesha Zabar’s unbeaten century and all-round brilliance from skipper Fatima Sana helped Pakistan win the first T20I of the three-match series against Zimbabwe by 153 runs at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a tough 238-run target, the tour team could only manage 84 runs in 18.2 overs, posting their third-lowest total in the format.
Right-handed batsman Natasha Mdomba led the way for Zimbabwe with 24 off 20 balls, while Adel Zimunu (18) and Beloved Biza (10) were the only other batsmen to cross double figures against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack.
Captain Fatima led Pakistan’s bowling with economical figures of 3/7 from her three overs, followed by Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz with two scalps each, while Ramin Shamim claimed a wicket.
Opting to bat first, the team amassed 237/5 in 20 overs, their highest in this format, eclipsing their previous best of 181/4 against South Africa in 2024.
Openers Muneeba Ali and Gul Feroza added 23 runs before being dismissed by skipper Nomwelo Sibanda on the final delivery of the second over.
Following Muneeba’s dismissal, Ayesha joined Feroza in the middle and the pair shared a brisk 34-run partnership for the second wicket, before Precious Marange gave Zimbabwe a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the retreating opener with 19-ball 37 and 8 boundaries.
Ayesha then struck two brief partnerships with debutant Saira Zabeen (five) and Natalia Pervaiz (nine), eventually finding subtle support from Riaz at the other end.
The duo dominated Zimbabwe’s bowling attack and added 67 off 35 balls to guide Pakistan past the 200-run barrier.
He stumped Alia on the third delivery of the 16th over, agonizingly short of a well-deserved half-century as he accelerated to 48 off 23 balls, aided by four sixes and several fours.
Ayesha then teamed up with skipper Fatima Sana and the duo put on an unbeaten 70-run partnership to keep Pakistan’s run going.
Ayesha Zafar scored an unbeaten 102 off 47 balls with 15 fours and 2 sixes to bag the man of the match award, while their skipper Fatima scored an unbeaten 21 off 13 balls.
Captain Sibanda took 2 wickets for 59 runs in his four overs for Zimbabwe, while Michel Maunga, Bisa and Marange took one wicket each.