Pakistan completed a dominant 3-0 ODI series sweep over Zimbabwe in Karachi, producing commanding displays with both bat and ball during Zimbabwe’s historic first-ever women’s tour of Pakistan. Across the three matches, Pakistan consistently posted imposing totals before comfortably dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting line-up, highlighting the difference in experience between the two sides ahead of a busy international season.
The series opened with Pakistan registering a comprehensive 168-run victory after posting 330/5 in the first ODI on 4 May. Opener Sadaf Shamas anchored the innings with a brilliant 98 off 130 balls, striking 17 boundaries, while Gull Feroza added 50 and Sidra Amin smashed 67 from 59 deliveries.
Pakistan accelerated strongly at the death through wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, whose unbeaten 56 came from just 30 balls at a strike rate of 186.66. Najiha’s half-century, reached in only 23 deliveries, became the fastest ODI fifty by a Pakistan woman. Zimbabwe also conceded 43 extras, including 28 wides, despite Precious Marange impressing with figures of 3/39.
Zimbabwe were then bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs despite Beloved Biza scoring a fighting 53 from 53 deliveries. Kelis Ndhlovu contributed 31, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the chase. Fatima Sana, Tasmia Rubab and Syeda Aroob Shah shared the wickets as Pakistan sealed a one-sided opening win, with Sadaf Shamas named Player of the Match.
Pakistan produced an even stronger batting performance in the second ODI on 6 May, piling up 343/4 — their highest total of the series. Openers Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza dominated with a 189-run partnership that effectively put the match beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.
Gull Feroza struck exactly 100 from 95 balls with 13 boundaries, while Sadaf followed with 101 from 112 deliveries, including 10 fours and a six. Sidra Amin remained unbeaten on 59, while captain Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz provided late acceleration with strike rates above 190.
Zimbabwe once again struggled in the chase and were dismissed for 137 in 39 overs. Kelis Ndhlovu top-scored with 32 while Runyararo Pasipanodya remained unbeaten on 33, but regular wickets derailed the innings. Fatima Sana starred with the ball, taking 3/15 in six overs, while Rameen Shamim and Syeda Aroob Shah claimed two wickets each. Gull Feroza earned the Player of the Match award for her maiden ODI century.
The third ODI on 9 May saw Zimbabwe produce their best batting effort of the series, posting 222/9 after Beloved Biza scored 73 from 88 balls and Kelis Ndhlovu added 51. Pakistan’s bowlers again shared the wickets, with Tasmia Rubab taking 3/49 and Syeda Aroob Shah returning 2/36.
However, Pakistan’s opening pair once again dominated the chase. Gull Feroza smashed an unbeaten 106 from 92 balls, hitting 16 fours at a strike rate of 115.21, while Sadaf Shamas contributed 90 from 98 deliveries in a massive 220-run opening partnership. Pakistan chased down the target in just 31.5 overs, winning by nine wickets with 109 balls remaining. Gull Feroza’s second century of the series earned her both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours.
Sadaf Shamas finished as the leading run-scorer of the series with 289 runs at an average of 96.33, narrowly ahead of Gull Feroza, who amassed 256 runs at 128.00. For Zimbabwe, Beloved Biza stood out with 155 runs at 51.66 across the three matches. With the ball, Syeda Aroob Shah emerged as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with six wickets, while Fatima Sana and Tasmia Rubab picked up five each.
The two teams will now shift focus to the T20I series beginning on 12 May in Karachi, with the matches expected to play an important role in preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England next month.
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