PAK-W vs ZIM-W: Sadaf Shamas, bowlers hand Zimbabwe 168-run loss in 1st ODI

Pakistan women took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a massive 168-run victory over Zimbabwe women in the first ODI on Monday, May 4 at National Stadium, Karachi. After being put in to bat first, Pakistan posted a humongous score of 330/5 in their allotted 50 overs, courtesy of marvellous knocks from Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin (67 off 59), Najiha Alvi (56* off 30) and Gull Feroza (50 off 60).

In reply, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 162 in 36.4 overs with Beloved Biza (53 off 53) being the lone half-centurion of the innings. Fatima Sana (2/28), Tasmia Rubab (2/21) and Syeda Aroob Shah (2/38), scalped two wickets each for Pakistan. The two teams will next meet in the second ODI of the series at the same venue on Wednesday, May 6.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Sadaf Shamas was adjudged Player of the Match for her magnificent innings of 98 (130), laced with 17 fours. She got involved in a massive 162-run opening stand off 170 balls with Gull Feroza, to set up a perfect platform for the rest of the batters.

Turning Point

Pakistan were 219/4 after 39.1 overs with Najiha Alvi and Sidra Amin at the crease. The duo stitched a quick-fire 96-run stand off just 58 balls for the fifth wicket, which helped Pakistan reach a massive score. Their partnership dampened the spirits in the Zimbabwe camp and eventually became the turning point of the game.

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Fatima Sana (Pakistan Women):  

(On the win and overall team performance) "Thank you. I think we were not up to the mark in bowling. We still need to improve in bowling and fielding. But the way the batters played was really good. (On winning the game by 168 runs but still wanting improvement) Yes, we still need to improve because the opposition has also improved a lot. So we need to work more on our bowling and fielding. I think we should have restricted them to under 100 because we know we are capable of doing that. (On Sadaf Shamas’ innings) I think that was very important. As an opener, she played really well, especially in those hot conditions. (On Najiha Alvi’s performance and fastest ODI fifty) Yes, definitely. She played really well at the end, and that was a very good innings from her. It was also her first fifty, which makes it even more special. I’m really happy for her."

Losing Captain, Nomvelo Sibanda (Zimbabwe Women):

"(On pulling things back in the first innings) I think the team did well to bring the game at the backend of the first innings. A few good catches and a brilliant one from Christina so I thought that was a good effort. (On the learnings from this game) Yeah, I thought it was just about changing the pace of the bowling. That was very crucial. Obviously there are a few lessons we have learnt from today's game and we will want to work on those before the next game."