Fatima Sana's record blitz powers Pakistan to clean sweep over Zimbabwe
Karachi, May 16
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana delivered a historic performance with the bat as the hosts completed a dominant 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe women's team in Karachi and strengthened their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
Sana smashed the fastest half-century in Women's T20 International history, reaching the milestone in just 15 balls during her explosive, unbeaten knock. The Pakistan skipper hammered 10 boundaries and two sixes in her 62 not out off just 19 balls to rewrite the record books.
The previous fastest Women's T20I fifty record was jointly held by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield and Richa Ghosh, all of whom had reached their half-centuries in 18 deliveries.
Earlier, the fastest half-century from a Pakistani woman batter was by former skipper Nida Dar, who took 20 balls to reach the milestone against South Africa in 2019.
Pakistan posted an imposing 223/4 after recovering from 93/3 in the 11th over. Young batter Saira Jabeen also impressed with her maiden T20I half-century, bringing up the landmark in 32 balls in only her third international appearance.
Lindokuhle Mabhero took a couple of wickets, whereas Beloved Biza and Michelle Mavunga took one wicket each for Zimbabwe.
The visitors began their chase aggressively, led by Kelis Ndhlovu, who struck 32 off 13 balls. However, Pakistan's spin attack quickly took control of the contest.
Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal starred with the ball, claiming 3/20 and removing key batters early in the innings. She received strong support from Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sundhu as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 90. Sandhu took a couple of wickets, whereas Sana, Rameen Shamim and Tuba Hassan grabbed one wicket each.
The emphatic victory ensured Pakistan remained unbeaten across both white-ball series against Zimbabwe, providing the side with valuable momentum and confidence ahead of the global tournament later this year.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see women's cricket growing in Pakistan. That 223 total is massive for a T20! But I think we need to see them against stronger teams like Australia or India before calling them World Cup ready. Still, very impressive display 👏
Fatima Sana breaking Richa Ghosh's record! As an Indian fan, I'm both proud and concerned 😅 Our women's team better prepare well for the World Cup. Pakistan's spin attack looks dangerous too - Sadia Iqbal with 3/20 is no joke.
That's some serious power hitting from Fatima Sana! 10 boundaries and 2 sixes in 19 balls is brutal. The women's game is evolving so fast globally - records being broken everywhere. Exciting times for cricket!
Respect to Zimbabwe for trying, but the gap between top 8 and rest in women's cricket is still huge. Pakistan's bowlers made it look easy - 90 all out after such a strong start from Ndhlovu. Need more investment in women's cricket across Africa.
Saira Jabeen with a maiden fifty in just her 3rd match - that's a talent to watch! Pakistan's bench strength seems to be improving. The World Cup should be very competitive this year with so many teams playing aggressive cricket.
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