Pakistan Women delivered a commanding all-round performance to outclass Zimbabwe Women in the opening ODI of the Zimbabwe Women tour of Pakistan 2026 at the National Stadium in Karachi. After posting a formidable total, the hosts dismantled the visitors with disciplined bowling to seal a comprehensive 168-run win and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sadaf Shamas powers Pakistan to mammoth total
Despite Zimbabwe Women winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan Women made full use of the conditions to pile up a massive 330/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was built on strong partnerships and a fine blend of stability and aggression across phases.
Opening batter Sadaf Shamas anchored the innings brilliantly, falling just two runs short of a deserved century. Her 98 off 130 balls, laced with 17 crisp boundaries, laid the perfect foundation for a big total. She found good support in Gull Feroza, who contributed a steady 50 off 60 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan had a solid start.
Sidra Ameen then accelerated the scoring rate with a fluent 67 off just 59 balls, striking nine boundaries to put Zimbabwe on the back foot. Although there was a brief middle-order wobble with Ayesha Zafar and Aliya Riaz departing cheaply, Pakistan regained control in the death overs.
Najiha Alvi provided the late fireworks with a blistering 56 off just 30 balls, smashing eight fours and a six. Sana Fatima added the finishing touches with a quickfire 11 off just three deliveries, pushing the total beyond the 330 mark.
For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange was the standout performer with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for just 39 runs in her 10 overs. However, the rest of the bowling unit struggled to contain the flow of runs as Pakistan capitalized on loose deliveries.
Zimbabwe falter in chase under pressure
Chasing a daunting target of 331, Zimbabwe Women never really found momentum and were eventually bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs. The early loss of wickets dented their hopes, and they failed to build meaningful partnerships. Kelis Ndhlovu showed some resistance at the top with a 31-run knock, while Beloved Biza emerged as the lone bright spot for Zimbabwe. Biza played a determined innings of 53 off 53 balls, hitting eight boundaries, but lacked support from the other end.
The middle and lower order struggled to cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Contributions from Nomvelo Sibanda (17) and Melinda Kanchinge (10) were not enough to revive the chase as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, with multiple players chipping in. Tasmia Rubab impressed with figures of 2 for 21, while Fatima and Syeda Aroob Shah also picked up two wickets each. Their collective effort ensured Zimbabwe never got close to the target.
Well deserved POTM award for Sadaf Shamas for her terrific knock ✋#PAKvsZIM #SadafShamas #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/9jwX2SrtGj
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) May 5, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
