Pak-W vs ZIM-W: national women team seal T20I series with dominant 67-run win

KARACHI: Pakistan national cricket team secured a commanding 67-run victory over Zimbabwe national cricket team in the second T20I at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare.

Batting first under lights, Pakistan posted 170-4 in 20 overs, powered by an unbeaten 79 from Eyman Fatima, who anchored the innings after early setbacks.

Pakistan were under pressure early, slipping to 35-2 inside the powerplay as Ayesha Zafar and Gull Feroza fell cheaply. The situation worsened when Iram Javed was dismissed for just five runs in the seventh over.

However, Eyman Fatima steadied the innings, first adding a 46-run partnership with Muneeba Ali, who scored 36 off 33 balls. She later combined with Nataliya Pervaiz in a crucial 78-run stand off just 40 deliveries to lift Pakistan to a strong total.

Eyman remained unbeaten on 79 off 43 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes, while Nataliya contributed a quick 24 off 19 balls. Zimbabwe’s bowlers Precious Marange, Lindokuhle Mabhero and Michelle Mavunga took one wicket each.

In response, Zimbabwe struggled throughout their chase and were restricted to 103-8 in 20 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers struck early, with Fatima Sana and Tuba Hasan removing the top order inside the powerplay, putting the visitors on the back foot.

The pressure continued as Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals, with skipper Nomvelo Sibanda unbeaten on 18 in a losing effort.

Nashra Sandhu led the bowling attack for Pakistan, finishing with two wickets as the home side wrapped up a comprehensive series-clinching win.