KARACHI: Rising middle-order batsman Ayman Fatima’s unbeaten half-century propelled Pakistan to a mammoth total in the second T20I of the three-match domestic series against Zimbabwe at the National Bank Stadium here on Thursday.
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana opted to bat first thanks to an unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 78 between Ayman and Natalia Pervaiz, and the home side eventually posted 170/4 in 20 overs.
The Green Shirts got their innings off to a flying start as their opening pair Muneeba Ali and Gul Berosa (nine) put on 27 runs before being sacrificed to Mitchell Maunga in the third ball of the fifth over.
Pakistan suffered two more setbacks in their batting journey as last match’s centurion Ayesha Jaffer and returning Iram Javed picked up four and five wickets respectively.
With the scoreboard reading 46/3 in 7.4 overs, Ayman joined set batsman Muneeba in the middle and the duo batted smartly to add 46 runs for the fourth wicket, dismissing opener Lindokuhle Mabero in the 14th over.
Following his exit, Aiman joined batting all-rounder Natalia and the duo put on an unbeaten 78 to ensure a dominant result with the bat for Pakistan.
Ayman, who dominated the crucial position, remained Pakistan’s top scorer with an unbeaten 79 off 43 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes, while Natalia scored an unbeaten 24 off 19 balls with 3 fours.
Precious Marange, Mapero and Maunga took one wicket each for Zimbabwe.