PAK-W vs ZIM-W: Fatima Sana shatters record books as Pakistan complete 3-0 whitewash

Pakistan women completed a 3-0 whitewash over Zimbabwe women, with a commanding 133-run victory in the third T20I on Friday, May 15 at National Stadium, Karachi. After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a massive score of 223/4 in their allotted 20 overs, riding on half-centuries from Saira Jabeen (50* off 32) and captain Fatima Sana.

The Pakistan skipper even shattered the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, reaching the milestone in just 15 deliveries. She surpassed Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield and Richa Ghosh's feat, who all had scored their fifties off 18 balls. Ayesha Zafar also made a valuable contribution of 45 (28).

In reply, Zimbabwe again succumbed under the scoreboard pressure and were skittled for 90 in 17.1 overs. Kelis Ndhlovu was the only batter willing to put up a fight with her quick cameo of 32 (13). Sadia Iqbal starred with a three-wicket haul for Pakistan while Nashra Sandhu (2/21, 4 overs) also scalped two wickets.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Fatima Sana was adjudged Player of the Match for her record-breaking half-century. She smashed ten fours and two sixes in her innings to help Pakistan post their second-highest score in Women's T20Is.

Meanwhile, Ayesha Zafar was adjudged Player of the Series for finishing as the leading run scorer across three matches. She accumulated 151 runs from three innings with a highest score of an unbeaten 102* (47), which also fetched her a player of the Match award in the series opener.

Turning Point

Fatima Sana and Saira Jabeen got involved in a breathtaking 71-run stand off 22 balls for the fifth wicket. The duo gave the perfect finish to Pakistan’s innings and took their total out of Zimbabwe’s reach.

What did the captains say?:

Winning Captain, Fatima Sana (Pakistan Women):  

"(All the set for the tri-series and world cup?) All credit goes to the team and the management. The way they trusted us is what we want to get from them. The team environment is best.

(Best thing in this team?) We had a good camp in the last three months. We had a good belief in ourselves and I think the way the guys believe in themselves is the key.

(On the performance of youngsters) I think we gave chances to all the girls. They accepted the chance and proved themselves. This is good.

(On the expectations ahead) Ya! Hopefully."

Losing Captain, Nomvelo Sibanda (Zimbabwe Women):

(On the positives, despite the series result) "It was definitely not the result we wanted, but there were still a few positives we can take from this series. I thought the players' intent throughout the games was really good, and that’s something we will carry forward.

(On the hospitality in Pakistan and experience in Karachi) We definitely had a really good time here. The people were very welcoming, and the food was amazing as well. We’re grateful for the opportunity to come here and play."