The Pakistan – Zimbabwe T20I series kicked off with a clinical display from Pakistan, who secured a massive 153-run victory in the opening T20I. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan posted a formidable 237/5, fueled by a sensational unbeaten century from Ayesha Zafar, who hammered 102* off just 47 balls. In response, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup struggled to find any momentum against a disciplined attack led by Fatima Sana, who claimed 3 wickets for just 7 runs. Zimbabwe eventually bundled out for 84 in the 19th over, leaving them with plenty of work to do heading into the second game.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (WK), Najiha Alvi (WK), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Iram Javed, Amber Kainat, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Saira Jabeen, Sadia Iqbal, Eyman Fatima
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Nomvelo Sibanda (C), Beloved Biza, Olinder Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Melinda Kachingwe, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Precious Marange, Michelle Mavunga, Natasha Mtomba, Christina Mutasa, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Kelis Ndhlovu, Kelly Ndiraya, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Adel Zimunu
Players to watch out:
Ayesha Zafar
Ayesha Zafar was in a league of her own during her recent outing, smashing a brilliant 102* off just 47 deliveries. She maintained an incredible strike rate of 217.02, finding the boundary with ease by hitting 15 fours and 2 sixes. This century proved her dominance at the crease, as she remained unbeaten to anchor the innings perfectly.
Natasha Mtomba
Natasha Mtomba showed glimpses of resistance for the Zimbabwe side, contributing 24 runs from 20 balls faced. She kept a steady scoring rate of 120.00 and managed to hit 4 boundaries during her time in the middle. While the total was modest, her ability to navigate the bowling attack for a full twenty deliveries showed valuable composure.
Fatima Sana
Fatima Sana was absolutely clinical with the ball, leading the wicket-takers list with 3 scalps for just 7 runs. Across her 3 overs, she didn’t allow the batters any room, finishing with a superb economy rate of 2.33. Her best bowling figures of 3/7 highlight her role as the primary threat in the Pakistan bowling department.
Nomvelo Sibanda
Nomvelo Sibanda put in a high-effort shift for Zimbabwe, picking up 2 wickets during her 4-over spell. Although she went for 59 runs at an economy of 14.75, she managed to break through twice with the best bowling effort of 2/59. Her strike rate of 12 indicates that even under pressure, she remained an active threat capable of taking crucial wickets.
Pitch:
The surface at the National Stadium is traditionally a batter’s paradise, characterized by consistent pace and bounce that allows for high-scoring encounters. It has historically seen average first-inning scores between 167 and 180 but also becomes low and slow as the match progresses.
Weather:
The forecast is sunny during the day with a high temperature of 35°C and a low of 29°C. There is a 0% chance of precipitation during the day, with westerly winds at 20 mph and a humidity level of 53%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Fatima Sana, Ayesha Zafar, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nomvelo Sibanda, Beloved Biza, Precious Marange, Kelis Ndhlovu, Natasha Mtomba
Match Details:
Date – May 14, 2026
Time – 8:00 PM IST
Venue – National Stadium, Karachi
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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