Online Reporter
ONLY three Zimbabwean batters managed double figures as records were shattered in their 153-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the first T20I match in Karachi on Tuesday evening.
The extras provided the third best contribution to the Lady Chevrons cause.
Natasha Mtomba (24), Adel Zimunu (18) and Beloved Biza (10) were the only Lady Chevrons to hit double figures.
In response to Pakistan’s 237/5, the Lady Chevrons had no answer as they were dismissed for 84 runs in 18,2 overs.
The home team showcased a dominating performance against Zimbabwe Women in the 1st T20I at Karachi.
They won the match by 153 runs, courtesy of a power-packed century by Ayesha Zafar in the first innings.
Chasing a massive target of 238 runs, Zimbabwe Women managed only 84 runs before being bowled out cheaply inside 18.2 overs.
Mtomba showcased some fight by scoring 24, as she remained the highest run-getter for the visitors in the match.
Besides her, Zimunu made 18, while Biza contributed 10, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled badly against Pakistan’s tight bowling.
Captain Fatima led Pakistan’s bowling effort with impressive figures of 3/7 in three overs.
Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz also picked up two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim claimed one wicket.
After choosing to bat first, the home side posted 237/5 in their 20 overs, which became their highest total in the format. Their previous best was 181/4 against South Africa in 2024.
Pakistan made a quick start as openers Muneeba Ali and the in-form Gull Feroza added 23 runs before captain Nomvelo Sibanda removed Muneeba on the second-last ball of the second over.
After Muneeba’s wicket, Ayesha came to the crease and built a steady partnership with Feroza for the second wicket. Zimbabwe finally got an important breakthrough when Precious Marange dismissed Feroza, who scored 37 runs off 19 balls with the help of eight fours.
Ayesha then added small partnerships with debutant Saira Jabeen and Natalia Pervaiz, before finally getting good support from Aliya Riaz at the other end.
The home side shattered multiple records during their dominant 153-run victory.
Leading the way for Pakistan was right-handed batter Ayesha Zafar, who top-scored with an unbeaten century, making 102 off just 47 deliveries, studded with 15 fours and two sixes, and shattered multiple individual records in the process.
Zimbabwe’s lowest-ever total is 61 all out, which came against Vanuatu in 2024, while their 64/9 against New Zealand is ranked second on the unwanted list.
Largest margin of victories for Pakistan in Women’s T20Is
• 153 runs against Zimbabwe in 2026
Highest total by Pakistan in Women’s T20Is
237/5 against Zimbabwe in 2026 – Sports Reporter/geosputer.tv
Bongani Ndlovu