ZIMBABWE WOMEN HEAVILY DEFEATED BY PAKISTAN IN HISTORIC ODI OPENER
Hope
Zimbabwe Women‘s National Cricket Team suffered a heavy 168-run defeat to Pakistan Women’s National Cricket Team in the opening match of their historic ODI series at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.
The result marked a difficult start for Zimbabwe in their first-ever bilateral tour of Pakistan, as the hosts delivered a dominant all-round performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan posted a commanding 330 for five after being put in to bat, built around a fluent 98 from Sadaf Shamas. She shared a 162-run opening stand with Gull Feroza, who contributed 50, laying a solid platform for a big total.
Further contributions came from Sidra Amin, who scored 67, while Najiha Alvi produced a rapid unbeaten 56 off just 30 balls, registering the fastest ODI half-century by a Pakistan batter in women’s internationals.
For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange was the standout with the ball, claiming three wickets.
In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs despite a fighting 53 from Beloved Biza and 31 from Kelis Ndhlovu at the top of the order. The visitors struggled to build partnerships, with no other batter managing to pass 20.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings, with Tasmia Rubab, captain Fatima Sana and Syeda Aroob Shah all taking two wickets apiece.
The defeat highlights the challenge facing Zimbabwe as they continue to rebuild, but also offers valuable experience against a steadily improving Pakistan side.
The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue, where Zimbabwe will look to respond and level the series.
