Pakistan Women delivered a stunning record-breaking performance to defeat Zimbabwe Women by 168 runs in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Monday.
Putting in to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding total of 330-5 in 50 overs, registering the highest women’s ODI score ever recorded at the National Bank Stadium and their third consecutive total of 300 or more in ODI cricket.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
The innings got off to a flying start through a brilliant opening partnership of 162 runs between Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza, the second highest opening stand in Pakistan Women’s ODI history.
Sadaf Shamas was the standout batter of the day, compiling a composed 98 off 130 balls laced with 17 boundaries before falling just short of a well deserved century.
Gull Feroza played a fluent knock of 50 off 60 balls, striking five boundaries during her stay at the crease.
The middle order continued to build on the solid foundation as Sidra Amin played an impressive innings of 67 off 59 balls, hitting nine boundaries during her time in the middle.
READ: Pakistan climb in latest ICC Men’s Test Rankings after annual update
The most explosive contribution of the day came from Najiha Alvi who smashed an unbeaten 56 off just 30 balls, including eight fours and a six.
Najiha brought up her half-century off just 24 deliveries, breaking captain Fatima Sana’s previous record of 35 balls to become the fastest half-century scorer in Pakistan Women’s ODI history.
Captain Fatima Sana also chipped in with a quickfire cameo of 11 off just three balls towards the end of the innings.
Notably the match also witnessed several other significant records.
It was the first time four Pakistan Women batters scored half-centuries in a single ODI innings.
The partnership between Sidra Amin and Najiha Alvi for the fifth wicket also ranked as the third highest for that wicket in Pakistan Women’s ODI history.
Additionally Pakistan’s victory margin of 168 runs stands as their second largest winning margin in women’s ODI cricket history.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
In their run chase, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 162 in 36.4 overs despite a determined effort from Beloved Biza who top scored with 53 off 53 balls and Kelis Ndhlovu who contributed 31 off 47 deliveries.
Pakistan’s bowlers were equally impressive with captain Fatima Sana, Tasmia Rubab and Syeda Aroob Shah each claiming two wickets to wrap up a comprehensive and historic victory for the home side.
