Ayesha Zafar produced a stunning batting display to lead Pakistan Women to a dominant victory over Zimbabwe Women in the first T20I in Karachi, registering one of the fastest hundreds in the format and rewriting multiple records.
Coming into the match, Zafar had struck just one six in 28 T20 innings and carried a career strike rate in the early 80s. However, on May 12, she transformed her approach, smashing two sixes and 15 fours en route to a 47-ball unbeaten 102, the joint third-fastest century in Women’s T20Is.
Her innings powered Pakistan to 237/5 in 20 overs — the first time the team crossed the 200 mark in the format — and set up a commanding 153-run victory, their largest win by margin of runs in T20Is. By the end of the innings, Zafar’s career strike rate had risen to 97.
Zafar Converts Strong Start into Landmark Knock
The 31-year-old, who returned to the side in March after nearly two years away, built her innings with a mix of control and aggression. After arriving at the crease in the second over, she targeted the leg side effectively, using the back foot to pull short deliveries towards midwicket and square leg.
She received an early reprieve on 20 when a catch was dropped at square leg, but continued to capitalise on loose deliveries, also striking cleanly down the ground when bowlers overpitched.
More Read
Gull Feroza provided early momentum with a 19-ball 37, helping Pakistan get off to a quick start. Zafar raced to 40 off just 18 balls before slowing slightly, bringing up her half-century in 29 deliveries.
Late Acceleration Lifts Pakistan Past 200
After the 16-over mark, Zafar accelerated again, displaying strong hitting against pace bowlers with shots down the ground and through the leg side. She added 67 runs off 35 balls with Aliya Riaz, who scored 48, followed by a rapid 70-run stand off 27 balls with Fatima Sana.
A boundary off the final delivery of the innings took Zafar to her century, ensuring Pakistan finished with a record total.
More Read
Zimbabwe Collapse Under Pressure
In response, Zimbabwe struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and lost wickets at regular intervals. Fatima Sana struck early, dismissing Beloved Biza and Kelly Ndiraya off consecutive deliveries in the third over, leaving Zimbabwe at 14/3.
Despite hitting three boundaries in the sixth over, Zimbabwe ended the Powerplay at 30/5, effectively ending their hopes of a comeback. Natasha Mtomba top-scored with 24 and remained at the crease until the tenth over, while Adel Zimunu contributed 18. No other batter crossed 20.
Pakistan Bowlers Seal Dominant Victory
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Fatima Sana led the attack with figures of 3/7, becoming the highest wicket-taker among Pakistan Women’s T20I fast bowlers with 46 wickets. Natalia Pervaiz also made an impact with 2/3.
Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 84 in 18.2 overs, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 153-run win.
Zafar was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten century and became only the second Pakistan Women’s player to score a T20I hundred, alongside Muneeba Ali.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan Women 237/5 in 20 overs (Ayesha Zafar 102*, Aliya Riaz 48; Nomvelo Sibanda 2-59, Michelle Mavunga 1-23) beat Zimbabwe Women 84 all out in 18.2 overs (Natasha Mtomba 24, Adel Zimunu 18; Fatima Sana 3-7, Natalia Pervaiz 2-3) by 153 runs.
