LAHORE – A commanding all-round performance led by captain Fatima Sana, Saira Jabeen and spinner Sadia Iqbal guided Pakistan women’s team to a crushing 133-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I at National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Friday, completing an emphatic series whitewash.
Defending a massive total of 223-4, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled Zimbabwe for just 90 in 17.1 overs, underlining the gulf in class between the two sides throughout the series. Pakistan’s dominance began with the bat after Fatima Sana elected to bat first. The hosts produced an explosive start through the aggressive opening pair of Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar, who added 58 runs inside the powerplay and immediately placed Zimbabwe under pressure. Ayesha played with remarkable fluency, smashing 45 off just 28 balls with nine boundaries, while Muneeba contributed a brisk 22 from 17 balls before Zimbabwe briefly fought back through Lindokuhle Mabhero.Pakistan slipped to 93-3 midway through the innings after the dismissal of Natalia Pervaiz, but the momentum quickly shifted again when Saira Jabeen and Iram Javed steadied the innings with a valuable partnership.
The real devastation, however, came in the final overs.Saira anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 50 off 32 balls, but it was captain Fatima Sana who completely transformed the contest with one of the most explosive knocks of the series. The Pakistan skipper hammered 62 runs from just 19 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and two sixes in a breathtaking assault that lifted Pakistan beyond the 220-run mark.The pair added a rapid 71-run partnership that left Zimbabwe chasing an almost impossible target. In reply, Zimbabwe never recovered after losing early wickets despite an aggressive counterattack from opener Kelis Ndhlovu, who struck 32 off only 13 balls with fearless strokeplay.Once her innings ended, Pakistan’s bowlers tightened complete control. Sadia Iqbal led the attack brilliantly with figures of 3-20, while Nashra Sandhu claimed 2-21.With contributions from Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana, Pakistan wrapped up the innings comfortably to seal a comprehensive series sweep.
Scores in Brief
PAKISTAN WOMEN 223-4, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 62, Saira Jabeen 50*, Ayesha Zafar 45; Mabhero 2/36) beat ZIMBABWE WOMEN 90 all out, 17.1 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 32; Sadia Iqbal 3-20, Nashra Sandhu 2-21) by 133 runs.
